Dear John, Happy Independence Day! Like many people, I’ve been thinking about what it means to be American, to be a citizen of this great nation, while being primarily a citizen of God’s heavenly kingdom. This is an age-old question, and of course the simplest answer to the dilemma was given by Jesus himself: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17) Our worship belongs to God. Our earthly service also belongs to Him. But His design for our lives also includes service to our country. Our earthly citizenship, like our heavenly citizenship, comes with duties and responsibilities. It’s good to reflect on these things as we celebrate Independence Day. Many of us were taken aback over the divisions that have surfaced in our nation in the last few years. 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 citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27) 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 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) 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 Christ, in our land. | 
