missions
Humbled to Be an American: A Hopeful Exile at 250
By David Mathis at Desiring God
· July 4, 2026
· 8 min read
As my country turns 250, I feel both inspired and disillusioned, much as I did two decades ago navigating an undergrad major in political science. Political theory inspired me. I marveled to see how science and philosophy had led to the late eighteenth-century experiment that came to be called the U
Key takeaway An attractive idealism informed the Declaration of Independence in 1776; an even wiser, hard-knocks Constitution arose in 1789.
Why this matters
The author's reflection on being an American at the country's 250th anniversary highlights the complexities of patriotism and faith. As a missions-focused individual, their experiences partnering with pastors and churches in other nations have likely broadened their perspective on the role of the US in the global community. The tension between theoretical virtue and practical vice in American politics is a challenge that many Christians face, as they seek to engage with the world while remaining grounded in their faith. The author's shift from pride to humility in their American identity may be a model for others to follow, as they navigate the complexities of faith, politics, and national identity. This humility can inform a more nuanced approach to missions and humanitarian work, recognizing both the strengths and weaknesses of the US and its role in the world.
About this story
Original reporting by Desiring God . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: missions ·
Published: July 4, 2026 ·
Source: Desiring God ·
Reading time: 8 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As my country turns 250, I feel both inspired and disillusioned, much as I did two decades ago navigating an undergrad major in political science. Political theory inspired me. I marveled to see how science and philosophy had led to the late eighteenth-century experiment that came to be called the U
When was this published? This article was first published on July 4, 2026 by Desiring God and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by David Mathis at Desiring God. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more missions coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .