The Eve of 250: America, the Church, and the God Who Reigns
Tomorrow night is America’s 250th birthday, and it feels different in obvious ways than other points around this time of year. Flags are flying in front of houses, people are preparing their fireworks, and they are creating their patriotic playlist on Spotify. Tomorrow we will celebrate a quarter of a millennium of national life.
But as you’re reading this post tonight is the night for reflection. We must ask ourselves where we are, who we've become, and most importantly, where God is in all of this. Because, as Americans are preparing to celebrate, God's word quietly reminds us that there's a throne that is above every flag, every capital, and every constitution.
God's Hand in the Story of Nations
The Bible makes it pretty clear: God isn’t just watching from a distance when it comes to nations rising and falling. Dani, who lived during the time of pagan empires, said, “It is He who changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and puts others in place; He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who understand.” (Daniel 2:21). Nations aren’t just random events in human history; they’re under God’s control. His hand sets the timing and borders of nations, according to Him. (Acts 17:26 NIV)
That doesn’t mean every decision made by a nation reflects what He wants. But it does mean nothing that a nation escapes His attention.
As America hits 250 years, that truth reminds us of two things:
It humbles us — showing us we’re not self-made, self-sufficient, or completely secure.
It comforts us — reminding us that the chaos in politics and culture isn’t the whole story.
Kings and presidents come and go. Parties rise and fall. Laws can change; cultures evolve. But
“the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:11–12)
America has a story. God has a purpose.
The Church in a 250‑Year‑Old Republic
With the 250th anniversary approaching in just a day, it’s natural for the church to feel either proud or a bit anxious.
Proud, because many of America’s most meaningful moments have been driven by believers, abolitionists, reformers, evangelists, teachers, relief workers, and civil rights leaders who read their Bibles and believed that God cares about justice and mercy here and now.
Anxious, because our public life seems to be falling apart a bit, with division, violence, cynicism, moral confusion, and sometimes a church that seems more influenced by political parties than by Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount.
But Scripture invites us to take a stance that’s neither prideful nor hopeless: faithful presence.
We remember that we are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” Salt keeps what’s good; light shows the way and reveals what’s wrong.
We remember that our true citizenship is in heaven, even as we fully engage in the life of our earthly home.
We remember that Jesus prayed not to take us out of the world but to keep us from evil while we’re here.
As we mark 250 years, the church’s role is not to withdraw from America or to blindly support everything the country does, but to live as a distinct community, clearly shaped by the Kingdom of God, while also working for peace and prosperity where we live. (Jeremiah 29:7)
America Isn't the Kingdom — and That’s actually good news
One of the most important truths to remember tomorrow is this: America isn’t the Kingdom of God. That’s not an insult; it’s just clear. Every country on earth has both good and bad, beauty and brokenness. No matter what flag a nation flies, it can’t carry the weight of ultimate hope — only Jesus can do that.
When we forget this, we tend to either:
Turn our country into a god, expecting it to do what only Christ can do.
Or see it as a villain, forgetting how God has used it at times to bring blessing and justice.
But when we keep this in mind, we’re free to:
Celebrate America’s good parts without ignoring its flaws.
Own up to national sins without losing hope in our country.
Love our country deeply while loving Jesus even more.
America is a gift. The Kingdom is home.
A Quad Who Loves Her Country
For me, this hits close to home.
I live in a body that doesn’t always cooperate with the freedoms Americans often take for granted—like running, driving, or reaching for a doorknob without a second thought. One split-second accident took those freedoms away from me.
But I also live in a country where people show up for me, where medical care is available, where laws help make things accessible, and where technology and community have helped me keep learning, writing, going to seminary, and advocating for others. I see the flaws, but I can’t ignore the grace.
I’ve experienced both sides: a body that feels trapped and a spirit that knows true freedom; a culture that can be harsh and a church that can be incredibly kind; a country that disappoints sometimes and a Savior who never does.
That’s why, as America hits 250, I’m not here for easy cynicism or blind optimism. I’m about honest love—telling the whole story and still choosing to pray, work, and hope.
On the Eve of 250: How Should We Live?
As we get close to this milestone, here are four simple ideas:
Remember: Think about the moments of grace in our country's history: revivals, reforms, acts of bravery and kindness, quiet faithfulness in libraries, kitchens, classrooms, and churches.
Repent: Acknowledge the mistakes that still affect us: pride, injustice, idolatry, violence, and apathy. Start with ourselves, not others, as part of God's family.
Re‑align: Refocus your main loyalty. Honestly ask: what influences my hope more—the empty tomb or election cycles? Let the cross, not the flag, be the center of your identity.
Re‑commit: Dedicate yourself to being salt and light in your community, your church, and your online spaces. Pray for leaders. Help those who are vulnerable. Speak truth gently. Live in a way that only makes sense if Jesus is real.
