As Independence Day approaches, Jonathan and David tackle a thoughtful question:

As Christians, should we celebrate our country?

At first glance, the answer seems complicated. Scripture reminds believers that their ultimate citizenship is in the Kingdom of God, not in any earthly nation. So where does patriotism fit into a Christian worldview?

In this episode, Jonathan and David explore the difference between celebrating a country and worshiping it. They argue that gratitude for the place God has put us is not a distraction from worship—it can actually be an expression of it. Just as we celebrate birthdays without confusing a person with God, Christians can celebrate the good gifts, opportunities, and communities that have been entrusted to them without making a nation their ultimate hope.

The conversation highlights the often-overlooked blessings that many people take for granted: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, economic opportunity, vibrant local communities, and the ability to pursue meaningful work and service. These gifts are not perfect, and neither is any country, but they are worth recognizing with gratitude.

Jonathan and David also emphasize that celebrating a country does not require ignoring its flaws. Christians are called to seek the good of the places where God has put them, acknowledging both the blessings and the brokenness. Gratitude and honest critique are not opposites—they can exist together.

Ultimately, the episode offers a balanced perspective: our highest allegiance belongs to Christ, but that allegiance should make us more grateful for our neighbors, more invested in our communities, and more willing to celebrate the good wherever God has placed us.

You don't have to choose between loving God and appreciating your country.

The real challenge is keeping those loves in the right order.

When your identity is rooted first in the Kingdom of God, you are free to celebrate the good, work to improve what is broken, and give thanks for the place where God has called you to live.

And whether you're celebrating the Fourth of July, another national holiday, or simply the community around you, gratitude can be one more way of recognizing God's goodness in the ordinary gifts we often overlook.

As always,

Be Unbound

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Tamma Phillips

Assistant Producers:

Adonijah Ayele

Isabella Blevins

Trent Rider