In the United States, this is the time of year when we celebrate several of our most important patriotic holidays. Many churches have additional services, choir concerts or fireworks events, particularly on Independence Day. And it is fitting that we do so. It is right to take time to be thankful for the country that we live in and the freedoms afforded us here. It is right to honor the sacrifice of those who have fought for freedom and against tyranny and injustice.

As Christians, however, we have to maintain a careful balance. While enjoying and participating in our national celebrations, it must always be foremost in our minds that our primary citizenship is in the Kingdom of God. This place is not our home. We are sojourners here. Our first allegiance must be to Jesus Christ alone.

It may be unpopular to say, but this also means that we actually have a greater bond with Christians that live in other countries (even "enemy" nations), than we do with citizens of our country that are not Christians. The bond of Christian brotherhood has to transcend national ties - it is a bond in the blood of Christ. We need to be able to see their suffering, their persecution, their poverty, their victories and setbacks as our own.

Jesus said that there is rejoicing in heaven every time a sinner repents - sounds like a party to me. So while it is proper and good to join in our national celebrations, let's reserve our greatest parties for celebrating victories with our brothers and sisters in the Kingdom of God.