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Written by Administrator Saturday, 30 June 2007 17:56

George Shultz was the Secretary of State during the Reagan administration. One of the prominent features in his office was a large globe. Whether it was a newly appointed ambassador preparing to leave or a veteran ambassador debriefing the Secretary when returning from their posts, upon leaving that office Shultz had them perform one final ritual as a “test.” He would say, “You have to go over the globe and prove to me that you can identify your country.” They would go over, spin the globe, and invariably put their finger on the country to which sent.

When Shultz’s old friend and former Senate majority leader Mike Mansfield was appointed ambassador to Japan, even he was put to the test. This time, however, Ambassador Mansfield spun the globe and put his hand on the United States. He said: “That’s my country.”

On June 27, 1993, Shultz related this to Brian Lamb on C-Span’s “Booknotes.” Former Secretary Shultz: “I’ve told that story, subsequently, to all the ambassadors going out. ‘Never forget you’re over there in that country, but your country is the United States. You’re there to represent us. Take care of our interests and never forget it, and you’re representing the best country in the world.’”

As Americans, we are blessed to live in the greatest country in the world. While I certainly enjoy traveling and visiting other countries, I love these United States. But there is “another land” to which I owe a greater allegiance. First and foremost, I am a citizen of heaven. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Our citizenship is in heaven …” (Philippians 3:20). Furthermore, our responsibility here and now is to act as ambassadors for the Lord. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). That is truly a high calling, one which must not be ignored. We represent Christ to the world, and we must never forget that.

And so as you celebrate the birthday of our country and our freedoms on July 4 with family gatherings, cookouts, concerts, and fireworks … also remember your privilege and responsibility as a citizen of heaven. Christ has set you free … celebrate your liberty in Him!