What Is the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Country?

Immediately after taking the oath of office to become President of the United States, John F. Kennedy said in his inaugural speech on January 20, 1961:


“The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe – the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God….

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty….

“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

He ended his speech with these words: “Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”

President Kennedy’s famous line, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” has been repeated often.

So, what is the best thing an American Christian can do for America?

I believe that living for Christ, spreading the Gospel (by words and deeds) and praying for individuals, our country and the world is the best thing a U.S. citizen can do for his country.

Writer Robin Calamaio says there is one God who is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

“The Bible does not have an Old Testament God…and a New Testament God,” she says, noting that the Bible has plenty of information about God’s dealing with nations. “He speaks of their formation, life-span – and demise. But God, in a present grace and power, still addresses the nations – granting promises…and issuing warnings. As believers, we know that disaster is waiting at the end of unheeded warnings.”

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).

Calamaio writes, “Nations that reject the dominion of the living Creator will be aborted by Him. The God of the Old Testament is alive and well. He always has been.”

She says “power positions” belong mostly to non-Christians, but even if believers filled those positions, leaders can only control a small part of human activity. Attempting to morally contain people is like trying to herd cats, she notes.

While “our citizenship (‘conversation’” is the word used by the KJV in Philippians 3:20) is in heaven,” our lives in our current society are very real, she says. “Family is real – and so are our friends, co-workers and fellow countrymen.”

Though many Christians believe the “end times” are near or already here, we must not give up and wait for the rapture of the Church and neglect filling our Christian roles in society.

Calamaio writes, “When the Israelites were exiled to Babylon, God told them to ‘seek the welfare (peace) of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on his behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare’” (Jeremiah 29:7). There are two directives here. First, benefit that society by doing positive things. Second, pray for that society. Could it be that God directs us in the same vein toward our native country?”

St. Paul tells us, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

What can we do to best help our country?

Yes, we should vote in elections and speak up, but I believe the greatest contribution we can make to help our nation is this: Live for Jesus Christ, spread the Gospel, pray for individuals, pray for leaders, and pray for our country and the world.