Dear John,
Happy Independence Day! I’ve been thinking about what it means to be an American, a citizen of this great republic, while my primary identity is that of a citizen of God’s heavenly kingdom. Of course, the best way of reconciling these identities is given by Jesus Himself: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17)
God’s design for our lives is rooted in the complete forgiveness and redemption He offers us through Jesus Christ. This has earthly, as well as heavenly implications. It compels us to exercise citizenship worthy of His Gospel, His unmatchable gift to us (Philippians 1:27).
Isn’t it good to reflect on that, now more than ever? Over the last few years, many of us have been taken aback at the fractures that have appeared in our country. It can be hard to believe sometimes that we are indeed “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
And yet, there is hope for our country. We know that our God listens to those who call upon His name - that He does not hesitate to reward His children when they call on Him in faith.
That’s why the best way to bless our country here on earth is to call on our Father in heaven. We work to help Minnesotans practice citizenship worthy of the gospel of Christ because we know God’s blessings will result. We know and are convinced that biblical citizenship, not some worldly panacea proposed by the Right or the Left, is the key to restoring our nation.
So this Independence Day, I’m asking you to pray with me for a revival of biblical citizenship in our state and our nation. When we unleash the power of biblical citizenship, that is when we will see our prayers for unity and healing in our state and nation answered. Because citizenship worthy of the gospel, like the wisdom from above that James speaks of, “is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). It speaks the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). With humility of mind, it stands firm and takes action (Philippians 2:3; Daniel 11:32).
Some think that kind of citizenship is weak because it's not angry, boastful, and combative, but they couldn't be more wrong. On the contrary, citizenship worthy of the gospel is the epitome of strength because it draws on the immeasurable greatness of God's power, the power of the resurrection, in a spirit of power and love and self-control (Ephesians 1:19-20; 2 Timothy 1:7)!
Isn’t that what our country needs right now? We believe it is. That’s why restoring biblical citizenship is the core mission of Minnesota Family Council & Institute.
Have a safe and Christ-honoring Independence Day. Remember where true salvation for ourselves and for our nation comes from, and do not hesitate to approach the mercy seat to ask for a healing of division and a new birth of righteousness and true freedom, rooted in Jesus Christ, in our land.
For true freedom,
