A WORD FOR TODAY, July 4, 2025
Peggy Hoppes
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Blessings. Peg
A WORD FOR TODAY, July 4, 2025
“Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example. For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.” Philippians 3:17-21, WEB
I read a great article by a Christian theologian named Chad Bird that talked about our Christian response to the Fourth of July in the United States. The writer acknowledged our citizenship in this country, our responsibility to be a good citizen, and our privilege to celebrate the holiday that remembers the beginning of our great nation. It is fun to celebrate the Fourth of July, to watch the fireworks and enjoy burgers from the grill. Millions of Americans are enjoying the summer sun at parks and the seashore. We are attending parades, picnics, and other festivities this weekend. It is wonderful that we can rejoice in our many blessings, most particularly our freedom.
The article went on to remind us as Christians that we have a greater citizenship. While we are blessed by our time on earth, our true home is in heaven, in the Kingdom of God. The writer quoted the Epistle of Diognetus (second century, translated into English by Michael Holmes), “For Christians are not distinguished from the rest of humanity by country, language, or custom. For nowhere do they live in cities of their own, nor do they speak some unusual dialect, nor do they practice an eccentric way of life. This teaching of theirs has not been discovered by the thought and reflection of ingenious people, nor do they promote any human doctrine, as some do. But while they live in both Greek and barbarian cities, as each one’s lot was cast, and follow the local customs in dress and food and other aspects of life, at the same time they demonstrate the remarkable and admittedly unusual character of their own citizenship. They live in their own countries, but only as nonresidents; they participate in everything as citizens, and endure everything as foreigners. Every foreign country is their fatherland, and every fatherland is foreign.”
We have responsibilities as citizens of our home nation, but we have an even greater responsibility as citizens of God’s Kingdom. We respect our government, but we are ruled by someone even greater: the Lord God Almighty. He is the source of everything we have and everything that we are. Martin Luther emphasized that Christians are free from earthly constraints yet simultaneously called to serve others out of love, reflecting a paradox of Christian freedom. We are to live in God’s grace, doing what He has called us to do. He blesses us to be a blessing.
Many might suggest that the people of the United States are special people, and God has blessed this nation with many gifts so that we can have a positive impact on the world. We truly have been blessed and have done many good things throughout the two hundred and forty-nine years of our history. However, we have also made many mistakes. We are not special; we are not perfect. The United States, and every nation, is made up in imperfect, sinful human beings. The key for us to remember on this Fourth of July, our Independence Day, is that we belong to a greater Kingdom with the Almighty King as our ruler. This will keep us on the right path, a path that glorifies Him in all we do. It is good for us to repent of our failures and do what we can to make things better and then go forth in faith to glorify God in whatever we do from today forward.
All of us, those in the United States celebrating this Independence Day, and readers from all over the world who are Christians, are to remember this day and every day that we have a great responsibility because we are people of faith. Jesus Christ saved us from sin and death and given us incredible gifts so that we can have a real impact on the world. It is very easy for us to be proud of our nation, to celebrate our accomplishments, to have a fun and festive day of fireworks and barbeque but let us always remember that our time in this place and time is limited, but the promise of life from God our King is eternal. We are called to spend this time walking in faith, serving our neighbor, all in the love, joy, grace, and peace of God. Jesus Christ calls us to be role models when He makes us citizens of heaven, to live according to His ways so that others will be drawn into His presence and find salvation in His mercy.
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