Elizabeth Ausbun on July 3rd in the rain!
Today's July 4th - the day in 1776 the U.S. Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. The thirteen British colonies in North America were declaring independence from Great Britain - creating a United States. 242 years later our nation remains.
If you're a born-again believer in our country, you're a citizen of America and a citizen of heaven. Philippians 3:20 says, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
In a politically polarized America, how should Christians live as citizens of two places?
First, American Christians must vote. You need to know what's going on in your community, state and in Washington, D.C. If you don't vote, you're saying, "I'm happy with the direction and decisions being made for me." How do you know whom to vote for? You want to vote biblical values - which candidates align their policies with Scripture - midterm elections are coming up in four months - election day is Tuesday November 6.
Second, American Christians shouldn't complain. Griping about legislation, politicians, and "the other side" is futile. If you want change, you must participate in the political process (i.e. vote) and/or run for office yourself. Negativity doesn't bring positive change. The Kingdom of God will not advance with social media shares and a critical attitude. Christians must always have self-awareness - asking, "What message am I sending?" I've actually spoken with fellow believers about their supercritical attitude on Facebook. Criticizing the democrats doesn't win arguments.
Third, American Christians must remember they're citizens of heaven first, America second. If the U.S. pass laws creating homosexual marriage and allowing abortion - these laws conflict with Scripture - born-again believers must follow God's law first.
I'm proud to be American, but that doesn't mean everything in America is right. Our country was founded because the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts escaping Great Britain over religious liberty. America has a Christian heritage - it's a heritage that's more important than being an American - it's a heritage that allows Christians to believe in and worship God. When we get to heaven, we'll lose our American citizenship. Finding your identity in Christ should always come before your country.
If you're a born-again believer in our country, you're a citizen of America and a citizen of heaven. Philippians 3:20 says, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
In a politically polarized America, how should Christians live as citizens of two places?
First, American Christians must vote. You need to know what's going on in your community, state and in Washington, D.C. If you don't vote, you're saying, "I'm happy with the direction and decisions being made for me." How do you know whom to vote for? You want to vote biblical values - which candidates align their policies with Scripture - midterm elections are coming up in four months - election day is Tuesday November 6.
Second, American Christians shouldn't complain. Griping about legislation, politicians, and "the other side" is futile. If you want change, you must participate in the political process (i.e. vote) and/or run for office yourself. Negativity doesn't bring positive change. The Kingdom of God will not advance with social media shares and a critical attitude. Christians must always have self-awareness - asking, "What message am I sending?" I've actually spoken with fellow believers about their supercritical attitude on Facebook. Criticizing the democrats doesn't win arguments.
Third, American Christians must remember they're citizens of heaven first, America second. If the U.S. pass laws creating homosexual marriage and allowing abortion - these laws conflict with Scripture - born-again believers must follow God's law first.
I'm proud to be American, but that doesn't mean everything in America is right. Our country was founded because the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts escaping Great Britain over religious liberty. America has a Christian heritage - it's a heritage that's more important than being an American - it's a heritage that allows Christians to believe in and worship God. When we get to heaven, we'll lose our American citizenship. Finding your identity in Christ should always come before your country.
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