We’re celebrating the holiday set aside to commemorate the Declaration of Independence, the document that established the United States as a free and independent nation. We usually consider this day as our nation’s birthday. Since the Declaration was adopted 234 years have come and gone. One of the things believers need to do is remember that Independence Day is about much more than hotdogs, cookouts, parades, swimming and fireworks. One of the things to remember is that every believer should be the very best citizen that we can be.

In 1 Timothy 2, I think we can find several ways Christians can be a blessing to our nation. That chapter beings with the words “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority…” One way to bring blessing to America is through consistent prayer. In fact, judging from the words “first of all” in the text, prayer is our first priority. The devil would like nothing more than to keep us so occupied with busyness that we neglect our prayers, but prayer is what our nation needs.
Every believer should commit to pray for our leaders both elected and appointed at all levels of government: national, state and local. In addition prayers should be offered for those who serve in law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services and most certainly the military. Our desire and goal is to “live peaceful and quiet lives.”

Another way Christians can be a blessing to America is by living what Paul calls “all godliness and holiness.” God wants us to be a godly people and through holy living to make the Gospel of our Savior attractive. This is consistent with other teaching in the New Testament. For instance 1 Peter 2:12 tells us to “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” In other words, it is one thing to TALK about being a follower of Christ and it is quite another to live in such a way that our followership is OBVIOUS.

Believers can also be a blessing to America by sharing our faith. Verse 4 says that God “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Lifting up our nation in prayer and faithfully living for Christ will help fulfill God’s desire for our nation and our world which is for “all men to be saved.” Once again this lines up with other New Testament verses like 2 Peter 3:9 which says that God “is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Sharing our faith doesn’t depend on having answers to all the possible questions. It doesn’t depend on our being perfect, or having a complete knowledge of the Bible. But it does mean building relationships with others and then letting them know the story of what Christ has done in our life.

If we do these things, then we will be a blessing to our nation.