Every year around the Fourth of July, especially this year on our semiquincentennial, the same conversation ensues. Someone observes that America has lost her moral compass. Another laments the decline of biblical values. Before long, many agree that our nation stands at a spiritual crossroads.
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I share those concerns. Our culture increasingly rejects God’s design for marriage, the family, the sanctity of life, objective truth, and Scriptural morality. Additionally, declining biblical literacy and increasing hostility toward a Christian worldview ought to cause us alarm. Christians should not ignore these realities or pretend that a societal drift is not occurring. Yet, outside of mere acknowledgement, what are followers of Jesus actually supposed to do in such a climate?
Practical guidance
Thankfully, Scripture provides remarkably practical guidance. Neither despair nor retreat are appropriate options for those called to be salt and light in the world (Matt. 5:13–16). Though America is not Israel, the biblical principles for faithful citizenship remain timeless. Rather than allowing discouragement to paralyze us, we should respond with consistent obedience to Christ. But how?
First, make sure your personal relationship with God is genuine. Patriotism and Christianity are not the same thing. You can love America, appreciate our Founders, wave the flag, vote for conservative values, and remain separated from God because of sin. No one enters heaven because they were born in the United States. Many sincere patriots have never trusted Christ. Salvation comes only through repentance and faith in the Son of God (John 14:6). Before we ask God to change our nation, we must be sure that He has changed us.
Next, determine to become the very best citizen you can be by obeying all laws that do not contradict Scripture. The apostle Peter admonishes us to submit ourselves to every human institution for the Lord’s sake (1 Peter 2:13). Doing so silences the frivolous accusations of unbelievers aimed at discrediting Christianity (1 Peter 2:15). Believers should follow the law consistently, pay taxes honestly, respect those who enforce justice, and conduct themselves with the highest integrity, knowing we represent Christ in every place every day.
The Bible also commands us to pray for those who lead us.
With prayer and thanksgiving, we should call out to God on behalf of “kings and all who are in authority (1 Tim. 2:1-2).” Interceding for elected officials does not require agreeing with their every decision. Oftentimes, we will be praying for individuals we did not vote for. Yet, recognizing the tremendous weight of public service and understanding that God holds the ultimate authority over each leader, we should eagerly call out to the Lord on their behalf. These practical petitions will accomplish far more than our endless political debates.
We should also vote according to our biblical convictions. Casting a ballot for the candidate of our choosing is one of the great privileges of living in a constitutional republic, and we should steward that opportunity wisely.
Scripture never encourages us to separate our faith from our politics or to compartmentalize our convictions. Christians ought to support policies and leaders who value the sanctity of human life (Ps. 139:13-16), protect religious liberty (1 Tim. 2), uphold justice (Micah 6:8), and promote the common good by punishing evildoers and rewarding righteousness (Rom. 13:1–5).
Still, we should never imagine that an election can accomplish what only the gospel can do. Presidents cannot regenerate hearts. Legislatures cannot forgive sins. Courts cannot produce spiritual renewal. Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20), and that mission remains the Church’s highest priority. If America experiences another great awakening, it will happen because ordinary believers faithfully shared the gospel one person at a time.
Serving our communities
Our faith should also motivate us to serve our communities.
Even while living in Babylonian exile, God instructed Israel to “seek the welfare of the city” where He placed them (Jer. 29:7). Identifying problems is often easy; doing something about challenges is much more difficult. Christians should be the best citizens in every community. We should volunteer, care for the vulnerable, encourage first responders, strengthen our schools, and love our neighbors well. Biblical conduct must always accompany biblical convictions.
Finally, we should pursue personal holiness. Our greatest contribution toward the strength of America is quietly living each day with consistent devotion to Christ (1 Thess. 4:11). Strong nations are built upon strong homes. Faithful marriages, honest business practices, godly parenting, and everyday integrity still matter. Culture only changes when what we say we believe translates in how we live (James 2:14–20).
As we celebrate our nation’s birthday, I remain grateful for America and hopeful for her future. Regardless of what’s ahead, I often remind myself that my true “citizenship is heaven (Phil. 3:20). We can be deeply patriotic without confusing America with the Kingdom of God. Perhaps that’s the perspective we need the most. Love your country. Pray for your country. Serve your country. But always remember that your greatest allegiance belongs to King Jesus.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This article was edited for style and brevity, and written by Adam B. Dooley, pastor of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee, and author of “Hope When Life Unravels and Exalting Jesus in 1-2 Chronicles.”
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