40-Day Devotion, Day 25

PREPARATION: READ TITUS 3:1-2

Be A Good Citizen

On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, and shared some memorable words he had spoken to the Continental Congress that day: The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as a great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations. It ought to be celebrated from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever!

Obviously John Adams was off by two days. Although the vote on July 2 was decision day, July 4 is the date we call Independence Day because it marks the day Thomas Jefferson’s stirring Declaration was officially signed. But Adams was prophetic in describing how future generations would go about celebrating it, wasn’t he?

Two hundred and forty-one years later, we follow his form to a “T.” Well, almost to a “T” because most people have abandoned the part about “solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”

In recent years our nation has developed hostile toward anyone who connects God and country. Somebody once said that there are two things you should never discuss in public: religion and politics. Today, if you make the mistake of mixing those two in a public conversation, you better be prepared for a fight.

But step away from “God and country” stereotypes and consider this pointed question: do you understand how special our freedom is in this country? Our Bill of Rights is powerful and unique. We are crazy blessed! The majority of nations that have ever existed on planet earth do not afford their citizens many of these rights, and if they do, it’s most certainly not ALL. And yet, somehow, we won the birth-lottery.
Which leads to a second question: when was the last time you thanked God for this? This isn’t to suggest our allegiance is to America over King Jesus. Instead, it is an acknowledgment that God has given us grace that we don’t deserve, simply based on where we are born. It is right to thank God for that and to use the rich situation He has given for His glory.
I want to remind you of our personal civic duty to be good Christian citizens. Not just good citizens, but Christian citizens. You see, the United States has a treasured past blessed by God in a vast number of ways. Whether talking about our abundant natural resources, creative ingenuity, hard work or success in various wars, God has certainly poured out blessings on this land. Throughout our history, Christians have both thanked God for that and acknowledged the responsibility that comes with the blessing.

What is that responsibility? As Christians, what does God expect of us regarding our faithfulness to our country? Even though it seems we’ve just completed a contentious Presidential political campaign, this isn’t about politics. What should our attitude be toward our government and our country? What does it mean to be a good Christian citizen?
Before I share my thoughts, listen to God’s unfiltered opinion. Take a few minutes to read Titus 3:1-2 , Romans 13:1-7, and 1 Peter 2:13-17. Ask yourself: “What is God’s will for me in regards to my nation?”

When Paul and Peter wrote these verses, they were living under the tyrannical rule of the godless Roman Empire, which was about as pagan as a government can get. Understand, this doesn’t mean God appointed evil leaders like Caesar or Hitler or Hussein or fill- in-the-blank, but that God established the authority of government so there would be civil order in society. While we may not always agree with the specific policies of our government, Scripture tells us we are to honor the king and submit, as long as it does not violate our relationship with Jesus. (To continue reading, go to my comment below.)