As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence, it seems only appropriate to write about my love for God and my country of birth.
My love for our Heavenly Father came later in life of this U.S. citizen by natural birth in San Antonio a long time ago.
In 1984, I made a faith commitment to follow Christ Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Yes, I was born again in the spring of 1984!
As a declared citizen of Heaven, my first allegiance is to God the Father. That trumps my U.S. citizenship since it’s eternal whereas my American citizenship is temporal and required no decision on my part as a newborn.
Once my life here on earth ends, I will no longer have or need rights of citizenship. Yet for the time being, I am distinctly proud to be a citizen of the United States of America.
On the evening of July 5, I’ll be bringing my personal rendition of Lee Greenwood’s patriotic song “God Bless the U.S.A.” at Oaks Bible Church in Santa Barbara. Yes, I’m proud to be an American!
My eternal citizenship in Heaven comes with responsibility as followers of Christ have been called to be ambassadors for our Lord and Savior.
Listen to the Apostle Paul’s charge to his young protégé, Timothy, in 2 Corinthians 5:20-21: “We are therefore God’s ambassadors. as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf; Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Now as a U.S. citizen, I take that role quite seriously, as well.
Our forefathers risked their lives in signing that cherished document 250 years ago. They were prepared to pay the ultimate price for their freedom.
Our nation was founded on biblical principles. The Founding Fathers certainly were not all Christians, but they knew that God had ultimately guided them to America for a greater purpose than delivery from British dominance.
And when it comes to my heavenly citizenship, I recognize the ultimate price paid by God in allowing His only Son to be cruelly crucified so we might be free from the grips of sin.
From John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Please join me in a renewed spirit of pride in our most favored nation, which has been nurtured by God for 250 years to shine a bright reflection of our Savior and Lord on the rest of the world.
We have been blessed and we need to be a blessing to others for His glory!