4th of July Reflection

Our most important allegiance

Photo by Vernon Raineil Cenzon on Unsplash

Back in the day, when I was teaching middle school mathematics, I would ask my students if they thought other countries had a July 4th.

Completely unrelated to math, I know. But when teaching middle school, sometimes one does what one must do to get through the day. :-)

Most of the time, at least half of the class would respond enthusiastically with “No, they don’t!”

So then I would deliver the punchline.

“Well, that’s odd. I wonder what day comes after July 3rd, then?”

The day after July 3rd

For Americans, July 4th holds special meaning, while it’s just another day on the calendar for most other nations. For Indonesians, August 17th is their day to celebrate their nation’s independence, while for us, the day passes just like any other.

On July 4th, here in these United States of America, as we commemorate our nation's independence, it is important to reflect on the deeper meaning behind our celebrations. While we honor the ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice, let us also remember our ultimate allegiance is not to any nation but rather to our Heavenly Father and to the Heavenly Kingdom established by Jesus Christ here on earth as it is in heaven.

Fireworks with friends

Last night we drove into downtown Boise to watch the fireworks display with our refugee friends. As relatively recent arrivals, their allegiances are split. They are grateful for the nation that has taken them in and offered them safety, a place to raise their family, and the opportunity for freedoms unlike what they have ever experienced.

At the same time, Idaho is not yet home. How could it be? Learning English is hard, school is hard, shopping is hard, finding work is hard, and providing for the needs of their children is hard. Everything is hard. They know they cannot go back, but their memories and conversations often slip back to the being times with family and friends that they may never see again and the deliciously fresh apricots they were able to buy at the local market back home.

At this point in their lives, they are still living in two different worlds.

That’s not an easy thing to do.

I pray for their health and well-being here in this country of ours, and I hope that as months pass, they continue to feel more and more at home. I also pray they find their ultimate allegiance elsewhere—in the Kingdom of God as adopted sons and daughters of the loving heavenly Father they do not yet know.

Our primary citizenship

As sincere disciples of Jesus Christ, we can honor and cherish our national identity, but we must recognize that our primary citizenship lies in God’s Kingdom. The Apostle Paul reminds us that "our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil 3:20). We are called to embrace a higher calling, aligning our hearts with God's purposes and seeking His kingdom above all else.

As we marvel at the achievements and blessings of our nation, let us not forget that every good and perfect gift comes from our Heavenly Father (James 1:17). Remembering God's sovereignty over all nations should deepen our gratitude and instill a sense of humility as we celebrate our country's independence.

Our trust and allegiance to God should influence every part of our lives, including our patriotism. Faithful devotion to our Creator requires that we align our actions, thoughts, and values with God’s purpose. This means embodying the principles of love, justice, compassion, and mercy, both in our personal lives and the many ways we live out our faith in this world. As we celebrate, let our commitment to God shine forth in how we treat one another and the world around us.

In our journey together, as Christians who also happen to be Americans, we need divine guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." As we commemorate our country's independence, let us seek God's wisdom and guidance, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours and that He holds the ultimate plan for our lives and nation.

Praying for our nation

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts filled with gratitude for the blessings You have given. We thank You for the freedom we enjoy and the opportunities we have to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. Today, we pledge our allegiance to You above all else, acknowledging that You are the true source of our strength, identity, and purpose.

Grant us wisdom, O Lord, as we navigate the challenges of our times. Guide our leaders with Your discernment, that they may make decisions that honor You and uplift our society. Help us be a beacon of light in a world filled with darkness, showing love, compassion, and justice to all people.

Throughout the year, as we honor and celebrate our nation, remind us that true freedom is found in surrendering our lives to You. May our allegiance to You shape our thoughts, words, and actions so that we may reflect Your love and grace to a world in need.

In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord, we pray. Amen.