A Declaration for Faithful Discipleship
A Declaration of Faithful Discipleship
by Shane Stanford
Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America
July 4, 2026
"Blessed are the poor in spirit... Blessed are the peacemakers..." — Matthew 5:3–12
When, in the course of history, a people pause to remember the blessings of liberty bestowed upon them by Almighty God, it becomes both fitting and necessary to acknowledge that no earthly nation, however noble, can fully satisfy the deepest longing of the human heart. Political freedom is a precious gift, yet spiritual freedom through Jesus Christ is an eternal inheritance.
Therefore, on this two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, we, faithful followers of Jesus Christ, gratefully honor the sacrifices of those who secured our nation's liberties while joyfully renewing our higher citizenship in the Kingdom of God.
We hold these truths to be evident through the Gospel:
That every human being is created in the image of God and possesses immeasurable worth.
That Jesus Christ alone is Lord of heaven and earth.
That His Kingdom transcends every political party, every government, every nation, and every generation.
That His commandments are not burdensome but life-giving.
That His Beatitudes reveal the true character of those who belong to Him.
Therefore, we solemnly declare before God and one another that:
We Declare
We will be poor in spirit, recognizing our complete dependence upon God rather than trusting in our own power, wealth, or accomplishments.
We will mourn over sin, injustice, and suffering, allowing our hearts to break for what breaks the heart of God.
We will be meek, rejecting pride, arrogance, domination, and self-promotion in favor of humility and servant leadership.
We will hunger and thirst for righteousness, seeking God's truth above personal preference and His justice above worldly success.
We will be merciful, extending forgiveness as we ourselves have been forgiven through Christ.
We will pursue purity of heart, seeking integrity in both public and private life, desiring that our character reflect the holiness of our Savior.
We will be peacemakers, healing divisions, reconciling enemies, loving our neighbors, and refusing hatred, contempt, or revenge.
We will remain faithful under persecution, choosing obedience to Christ even when it costs comfort, popularity, influence, or security.
We further declare:
That our first loyalty belongs to Jesus Christ.
That our highest calling is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
That our second calling is to love our neighbors as ourselves.
That truth shall never be sacrificed for convenience.
That compassion shall never yield to indifference.
That humility shall always triumph over pride.
That forgiveness shall overcome bitterness.
That hope shall conquer despair.
That love shall outlast fear.
We celebrate the remarkable blessings God has bestowed upon this nation—its freedoms, opportunities, generosity, and enduring ideals. We pray for its leaders, cherish its liberties, and seek its flourishing.
Yet we remember that our ultimate hope has never rested in constitutions, elections, courts, economies, or governments.
Our hope rests in Jesus Christ.
Our citizenship is in His Kingdom.
Our mission is His Great Commission.
Our law is love.
Our power is the Holy Spirit.
Our victory is the Cross and the empty tomb.
Therefore, with gratitude for the past, humility in the present, and hope for the future, we pledge ourselves anew:
To pray faithfully.
To worship wholeheartedly.
To study Scripture diligently.
To serve sacrificially.
To give generously.
To seek justice humbly.
To walk faithfully with our God.
To love Jesus.
To love like Jesus.
And for the support of this Declaration, relying not upon our own strength but upon the grace of Almighty God, we commit our lives to Christ, encouraging one another to remain steadfast until the day when every nation, tribe, people, and language gather before His throne.
To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
