I hadn’t initially planned to write a 4th of July-themed post this year, but a recent conversation with one of my coworkers changed my mind. It reminded me that not all Americans feel patriotic at this time of year. In fact, many of them despise America, in spite of how God has worked in its 247-year history.
America in Their Eyes
As I was getting ready to leave the office at the end of a recent workday, I asked my coworker Madison* what she was planning to do for the 4th of July.
“I’m not planning to do anything,” she replied.
“Oh,” I said, a bit surprised. “Are you not really into fireworks?”
“Well, yeah, and I’m not really into celebrating America,” she answered.
I honestly didn’t know what to say next. I think she noticed my shock because she quickly added, “But I do love barbecue.”
“Well, I guess you can just have that for the 4th of July,” I said, unsure what an appropriate response would be.
Once our conversation was over, I made a quick exit and drove home. But I’ve thought a lot about Madison and what she said about the 4th of July. I understand Americans might not be thrilled about celebrating the 2023 version of America. After all, many immoral decisions have been made recently by some of our political leaders.
But I don’t think that’s what Madison meant when she said she’s not “into” celebrating the 4th of July. I think she meant she doesn’t appreciate the biblical principles America was founded on—principles many Americans (including me) still hold today.
All Around the World
Of course, I understand that not all of you who are reading this post live in America. But what I’m going to say next applies to everyone, regardless of location.
God’s sovereignty spans every continent on this planet, every planet in this galaxy, and every galaxy in this universe. If we truly believe that, we have to believe He doesn’t plant anyone somewhere by mistake. No matter where you live, He’s placed you there for a reason. That’s not to say you can’t move because God sometimes calls us to new places. I know that He worked in my family’s move from Maryland to Tennessee in 2020 and that—at least for the time being—this is where He wants us.
Despite the hatred for America that seems to be increasing (especially among Millennials and Gen Z-ers), we as Americans can rest assured that we weren’t placed here by accident. And no matter how our country improves or declines over time, we can always be grateful knowing we’re not alone here—and wherever we go.
Then God said to Jacob, “Get ready and move to Bethel and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother, Esau.” So Jacob told everyone in his household, “Get rid of all your pagan idols, purify yourselves, and put on clean clothing. We are now going to Bethel, where I will build an altar to the God who answered my prayers when I was in distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.” (Genesis 35:1-3 NLT)
After settling outside the town of Shechem in Canaan, God called Jacob to move to Bethel. His gratitude for God’s faithfulness—in every place God where had brought him—should be an inspiration to us on this Independence Day. As Christians, we can confidently say—just as Jacob did—God has been with us wherever we’ve gone. And He’ll continue to be with us wherever we go in the days ahead.
*Name has been changed.
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