Given our recent Canada Day celebrations, I'm being a bit cheeky with the title of this month's blog. I hope it got your attention! As Canadians, we enjoy certain rights and freedoms that many around the world don't have. Trust me, I’ve visited some of those countries and prayed with believers who live under much pressure for their faith. Canada is still a country of choice for many seeking a better life, hope for the future, or escape from persecution. So why this title, to be a true Christian nationalist? Let me be clear that I’m not referencing the false version of Christianity tied to the belief in racial or national superiority. Nor do I ascribe to the unbiblical belief that one nation over another holds God’s favour.

As a follower of Jesus, I want to be obedient to Scripture and be a model citizen who contributes to my community and prays regularly for our civic leaders. I am thankful for the freedoms we have in Canada. Yes, to some, our country is a mess. Our governments are not perfect; there are social issues, and problems within our healthcare and education systems, inequity, injustice, and corruption abound. Yet Scripture commands us to rise above the criticism as followers of Jesus and be proactive as citizens:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God (Rom. 13:1).
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jer. 29:7).
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor (1 Pet. 2:17).
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone (Titus 3:1-2).

Scripture is clear on what our response should be as believers to those who govern over us. However, that makes it challenging! It takes a willingness to pray for our civic, provincial, and federal leaders, regardless of your thoughts about them, their party, or their policies. It’s easy to criticize government leaders today, just look at what comes down your news feeds of all that is wrong with our country. Let us, as believers, do something different. Let us be true Christian nationalists by praying for our government leaders and country. Let us be model citizens who contribute to the betterment of our communities by living our faith daily in our schools, neighbourhoods, and workplaces.

Join me in praying for our country!

Rev. Bill Allan
AGC President

Engage the Mess: Be a True Christian Nationalist!