It’s hard to deny that the United States is an amazing country with a heritage to be proud of and liberties that we likely take for granted.
Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, a path to upward mobility and economic stability, a belief that all men and women are created equal—these are fundamental rights that most of the world would literally die for. We often forget how lucky and blessed we are to live in such a wonderful nation, and those things are certainly worth celebrating.
And yet, we have our issues. Regardless of which “side” you’re on, I imagine some days you wake up and think, “I can’t believe this is happening. This is what we’re dealing with now?”
‘Emotionally you may not necessarily feel in love with our country’
If you’ve been alive for more than a couple days, you have experienced a lot of “unprecedented” things. Along with a worldwide pandemic, multiple wars, economic instability and rapid advances in AI and technology, many people would say our culture at large just feels different in 2026 than it did a decade or two ago.
In addition, many report a growing sense of “political homelessness.” As political parties seem to drift further to the extremes, an increasing number of Christ followers feel stuck, not seeing a national figure who fully aligns with their values.
But it’s not just the personalities of our leaders; it’s also the actual policies themselves.
If you adopt what might be considered a biblical worldview, there is a high probability you don’t align perfectly with either side right now. Maybe you’re passionately pro-life, but you’re also anti-war. Maybe you agree with immigration reform in theory, but your heart breaks for the refugees you’ve actually met in your community.
The list could go on, but hot-button issues aside, you may be wrestling with complicated feelings as we look to celebrate America’s 250th birthday this summer.
Maybe intellectually you know you’re lucky to live in America right now, but emotionally you may not necessarily feel in love with our country. With economic anxiety, international conflict and seemingly daily controversies emerging, you may not be too anxious to strap on a party hat and sing happy birthday to Uncle Sam.
If that’s you today, maybe you’ll be reassured by recalling some advice from an ancient prophet.
Seek the welfare of the land
A few verses prior to everyone’s favorite tattoo verse (Jer. 29:11), the prophet Jeremiah writes these words from God: “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf…” (Jer. 29:7 ESV).
Now, let’s get some disclaimers out of the way.
You and I are not in exile.
The nation of Israel was in Babylon because of their idolatry. They were being disciplined and held under foreign domination because of their disobedience. American Christians still possess enormous cultural influence, legal protections and individual freedoms that exiled Israelites never had. It would be wise to acknowledge that fact before drawing too many parallels between ancient Israel and modern America.
Still, maybe you resonate with the idea of being an outsider right now. You look around at the nasty politics and the divided culture, and this is not the home you remember.
In this passage, God tells us to seek the welfare of the land. That word “welfare” is actually the Hebrew word shalom—God’s peace, safety, security or, in this case, we might say “completeness.”
Our nation isn’t complete, and it never will be. Our founders were wise when they aimed to create a “more perfect” union. This place is not perfect. But one way we can make it more perfect is to keep praying for this country’s welfare and shalom—its completeness.
Live with intentionality, regardless of who is power
A few verses earlier, Jeremiah instructs these Israelites in exile to put down roots in this new, foreign land.
“Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease” (Jer. 29:5-6 ESV).
This is a long-term investment. We’re reminded in these verses that God sent the Israelites to Babylon. They weren’t there by accident. They wouldn’t remain in exile forever, but while they were there, God called them to live with intentionality. Don’t give up. Don’t just exist. Don’t run away. Invest. Plant gardens. Grow your families. Pray for the shalom of this nation. Participate.
When I get weary of politics and frustrating news bites, it’s really tempting for me to get increasingly cynical and just check out. Sometimes I think that’s needed. Our human brains were not designed for the 24-hour news cycle. Obsessively refreshing our social media feeds and keeping our eyes fixed on cable news is a stressful and depressing way to live.
But I don’t think total apathy is the answer either.
The USMB Confession of Faith reminds us that, as ambassadors of Christ, we are called to be “agents of reconciliation,” cooperating with others to “defend the weak, care for the poor, and promote justice, righteousness and truth.” Our country needs Christians who act like Christians, regardless of who is in power.
We need to keep seeking the welfare—the wholeness—of our country. This is good for America, yes, but the pursuit of righteousness (not the pursuit of happiness) is how God calls us to live.
A higher citizenship
What does this look like? How do we help make our nation more complete in a pursuit of righteousness?
There are dozens of ways, and you’re likely already doing some of them. Love your family well. Love your neighbors well. Love your enemies well. Be a refreshing presence in your neighborhood, your school, your workplace, your church. Don’t add to the chaos of the cultural circus we’re in right now, but instead model what it looks like to live with shalom in a world that seems to be addicted to outrage.
Here’s another reminder: The land we’re standing on isn’t our home. If we don’t feel too comfortable here these days, that may be a good sign.
We have a higher citizenship (Phil. 3:20), a loyalty to a kingdom not of this world (John 18:36). We seek a city that is yet to come (Heb. 13:14), and we are merely “aliens and exiles” (1 Pet. 2:11) here while we are actively longing for a better country (Heb. 11:16).
We must keep our primary citizenship in full focus. As our confession states, “Christians are called to resist the idolatrous temptation to give to the state the devotion that is owed to God.”
In other words, we must pledge our allegiance to the right places—in the right order. No earthly leader is our king; Jesus is king, and we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
God is worthy of worship. No country, flag, leader or founding document deserves our praise. Our beloved Messiah and Creator of the universe deserves the throne room of the world and of our hearts. So keep him there, and shove everyone else out of the way.
A more perfect union
If you wake up feeling like an alien in a foreign land, that is probably (strangely) a good thing. Every cringey headline can be a healthy reminder that heaven is what we were actually designed for, and we have a role to play in ensuring as many people as possible will join us in that throne room someday.
For now, don’t lose hope. In fact, as we recognize 250 years of our beloved United States, I think it’s perfectly acceptable to feel a sense of pride, gratitude and—dare I say—optimism about this great country where we live. Despite its flaws, these United States are truly an incredible place to live. Eat some cake, and shoot some fireworks with a smile on your face and gratitude in your heart.
And then, get on your knees, and do your part to seek the completion of this more perfect union.
Matt Ehresman is the communications and online engagement director at Ridgepoint Church, Wichita, Kansas. He’s been serving at Ridgepoint since 2013. He graduated from Sterling College with a degree in graphic communications and went on to get his master’s in digital media from Regent University. Before coming to Ridgepoint, he worked on a television show for Focus on the Family and in the marketing office at Sterling College. He lives with his wife, Tillie, their two daughters, Heidi and Sadie, and a mischievous dog named Jarvis.
