Former Blackout Artist

Every Fourth of July, we’re surrounded by reminders of freedom. Flags wave in the breeze, fireworks light up the sky in the distance. Families gather around grills and picnic tables. It’s a day that reminds us to pause and give thanks.

But gratitude has become complicated. Some voices tell us America has done so much wrong that there’s little left to celebrate. Others act as though America can do no wrong. As Christians, we don’t have to choose either extreme.

The gospel teaches us to tell the truth.

The truth is, America has made serious mistakes. Our history includes injustice, prejudice, and seasons when we’ve fallen short of the ideals we profess. We don’t honor our country by pretending those things never happened.

But that’s not the whole truth. Just part of it. The other truth is that God has used this nation in remarkable ways.

Think about the last century alone. When freedom was threatened around the world, America stepped forward. When cities lay in ruins after war, America helped rebuild them. When disasters struck, American aid often arrived first on the scene. Our universities, our hospitals, our churches, our businesses, and even our missionaries – they have all touched nearly every corner of the globe.

Could someone point to moments when we got it wrong? Of course. But can anyone honestly say that the world would be the same without America? Maybe you can imagine it, but I can’t.

Millions of people don’t spend countless years trying to immigrate to a country because they think it’s hopeless. They come because they see opportunity. They see freedom. They see a place where hard work can still open doors and where families can dream about a better existence and a better future.

That doesn’t mean America has been perfect. It means America has been a gift. And like every gift, it points us back to the Giver.

As believers, our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. No nation – not even this one – is our Savior. Jesus didn’t die to establish an earthly kingdom. He died to redeem people from every tribe, every language, and every nation.

That’s why we, as Christians, can love our country without worshipping it. We can celebrate God’s blessings without pretending those blessings originated with us. Everything good we enjoy – our freedoms, our opportunities, our security, our prosperity – is ultimately a gift of God’s grace.

So this Independence Day, thank God for America. Thank Him for the men and women who have served and sacrificed. Thank Him for the freedoms that allow us to worship openly, preach and share the gospel, and raise our families in peace.

Thank Him that, despite all our flaws, this nation has been a refuge for people searching for hope and a place where countless dreams have been given a chance to grow and flourish.

Then, ask Him to do what He’s always done with imperfect people and imperfect nations: continue His work of redemption.

Because the answer to America’s future isn’t pretending we’ve never made a mistake, never gotten it wrong, never sinned… and it isn’t believing that somehow we’re now beyond hope.

The answer is the same as it’s always been – humble hearts turning back to God.

So… today, enjoy the picnic with your families. Laugh and marvel at the fireworks. Wave your flags if you want and sing “God Bless America.”

But before your head hits the pillow tonight, bow your head and thank God for the country He has entrusted to us.

Pray for her leaders.
Pray for her churches.
Pray that America will continue to be a place where freedom flourishes, justice grows, and where the light of Christ shines brightly.

Happy 4th of July!