This year marks the 250th anniversary of America, a milestone that invites both gratitude and reflection. There is much to celebrate: the endurance of a nation, the sacrifices of generations, the ideals of liberty, and the hope that has drawn people to this land. Yet anniversaries are not only moments for celebration; they are also moments for honest examination.
As America reaches this historic marker, there is also cause for deep concern. The current state of American politics, race, and religion reveals a darkness that cannot be ignored. The country is strained by division, shaped too often by party loyalty over truth, and unsettled by instability that weakens trust in one another and in the institutions meant to serve the common good. Scripture warns that “a house divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25), and it calls God’s people to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).
Religious ideology has also left its mark. When faith is used to baptize political power, excuse injustice, or claim God’s favor while ignoring God’s character, it becomes something far removed from the way of Christ. The prophet Micah reminds us that the Lord requires us “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly” with God (Micah 6:8). Christian nationalism, along with ongoing racial conflict, continues to expose wounds that have never fully healed. These realities leave an unholy stain on the nation and point to a people struggling to live under God’s righteous rule, for “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34).
The Bible says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). This verse reminds us that a nation is not lifted up merely by wealth, military strength, slogans, or ceremonies. A nation is exalted when justice, humility, mercy, truth, and righteousness shape its life. The Lord says through the prophet Amos, “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). When sin is normalized, when pride replaces repentance, and when power is valued more than people, disgrace follows.
This 250th anniversary is therefore more than a patriotic celebration. It is an inflection point. It is a moment of contention for the soul of the people. The question before America is not simply whether it can remain powerful, but whether it can become righteous. Not whether it can proclaim God’s name, but whether it can submit to God’s ways. Jesus taught His followers to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), reminding us that true allegiance belongs first to God’s reign.
For those who believe in God, this is a time to reflect and repent. It is a time to confess how far the nation has fallen from the grace, justice, and humility that God requires. It is a time to turn from hatred, division, racial pride, political idolatry, and religious arrogance. Second Chronicles 7:14 says that if God’s people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, God will hear and bring healing. True repentance is not performative; it is a turning of the heart that leads to changed lives, changed communities, and changed priorities.
America’s 250th year should not only be marked by a national fair, fireworks, parades, and speeches. It should be marked by prayer, humility, truth-telling, and a renewed commitment to righteousness. If righteousness exalts a nation, then the path forward is not found in deeper division, louder politics, or religious posturing. It is found in returning to what is just, merciful, humble, and holy before God. As James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up,” and as Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9).
Minister A Francine Green I June 2026