PortalsGate

BY ISAIAH-PHILLIPS AKINTOLA

PARTH THREE

LET US ADDRESS THE CORE ISSUE OF PRIMARY IDENTITY.

Perhaps the most fundamental question for Christians navigating America First policies is one of primary identity. Scripture consistently emphasizes that for believers, citizenship in God’s Kingdom supersedes all other affiliations. As Peter writes, Christians are “foreigners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11) whose true citizenship is in heaven.

This perspective doesn’t negate love of country or responsible citizenship, but it does establish clear priorities. When national policies align with kingdom values, Christians can enthusiastically support them. When they conflict, primary allegiance must remain with Christ and His global ecclesia.

Finding Balance: Responsible Citizenship and Global Christian Witness

Despite tensions and misguided methodology, some aspects of America First policies do align with responsible Christian values on stewardship. Let us examine some of these points:

1. Sustainable assistance: Addressing domestic poverty and need is biblically mandated (Galatians 2:10), and sustainable outreach requires a strong home base.
2. Accountability in partnerships: Evaluating the effectiveness and integrity of international engagements reflects good stewardship principles.
3. Subsidiarity: The principle that matters should be handled by the smallest, lowest, or least centralized competent authority can support both prudent national policy and empowering local Christian leadership globally.
4. Refreshed mission models: Policy changes that disrupt dependent relationships may accelerate needed transitions to more equitable partnership models in global mission.

Thoughtful Christians can recognize these potential areas of alignment while still critically engaging with aspects of policy that may undermine gospel witness.

Areas of Significant Tension: Several aspects of America First approaches create more direct challenges to Christian mission and witness:

1. Rhetoric vs. Christian discourse: Nationalistic rhetoric that denigrates other nations or peoples contradicts the biblical affirmation of human dignity and God’s love for all nations.
2. Resource redistribution: Significant reductions in assistance to vulnerable populations globally strain Christian commitments to compassion and generosity.
3. Refugee and immigrant concerns: Restrictions that prevent persecuted Christians or other vulnerable populations from finding refuge may conflict with biblical mandates to “welcome the stranger” (Matthew 25:35).
4. Witness implications: When American Christians appear to prioritize national interest above global Christian solidarity, it can undermine gospel witness, particularly in regions skeptical of American motives.

These tensions require honest assessment and sometimes prophetic criticism from within the Christian community, even among those who may broadly support certain policy directions.

Practical Wisdom for Mission-Minded Churches

For congregations seeking to maintain global mission commitments while respecting legitimate national interests:

1. Separate partisan politics from kingdom principles: Create space for discussing biblical principles that transcend political affiliations.
2. Develop robust theology of mission: Help congregants understand mission as flowing from God’s character and commands, not optional international charity.
3. Build direct relationships: Cultivate person-to-person connections with global believers that exist independently of governmental policies or programs.
4. Practice prophetic balance: Be willing to affirm aspects of national policy that align with biblical values while respectfully challenging those that don’t.
5. Support indigenous leadership: Accelerate transitions to locally-led ministry that can thrive regardless of American policy shifts.

New Models for Global Christian Engagement: Dependency to Partnership

The disruptions caused by policy shifts provide an opportunity to complete the transition from colonial-era mission models to truly equitable global partnerships. Churches can:

1. Evaluate language and structures: Assess whether current mission frameworks perpetuate unhealthy power dynamics or dependencies
2. Embrace bi-directional learning: Recognize that American Christians have as much to receive from global believers as to give
3. Invest in leadership development: Prioritize theological education and organizational capacity-building over projects that create ongoing dependence
4. Adjust expectations: Recognize that meaningful partnership may yield less visible short-term results but greater kingdom impact long-term Leveraging Technology and Networks

In contexts where physical presence is constrained by policy limitations, churches can:

1. Utilize digital platforms: Expand virtual training, mentoring, and encouragement across borders
2. Participate in global networks: Join collaborative efforts that distribute responsibility across multiple nations rather than centering American leadership
3. Share resources strategically: Direct financial support through channels that maximize local ownership and minimize dependency
4. Amplify marginalized voices: Use influence to ensure global Christian perspectives are heard in policy discussions Engaging the Policy Process

As citizens of a democratic republic, American Christians can also:

1. Advocate thoughtfully: Speak into the policy process regarding specific issues affecting vulnerable populations or religious liberty
2. Build unusual coalitions: Collaborate with diverse stakeholders who share concerns about particular humanitarian or religious freedom issues
3. Offer constructive alternative: Propose policy approaches that honor legitimate national interests while maintaining global engagement
4. Demonstrate respectful engagement across political differences within the church

Personal Response: Cultivating Kingdom Perspective in a Nationalist Age

For individual believers seeking to maintain kingdom perspective:

1. Immerse in Scripture’s global narrative: Regularly engage with biblical texts that emphasize God’s heart for all nations
2. Practice intercession: Maintain prayer commitments for believers and unbelievers in other nations
3. Seek diverse fellowship: Build relationships with Christians from different national, cultural, and political backgrounds
4. Examine assumptions: Prayerfully reflect on where national identity may unconsciously shape spiritual priorities

Everyday actions that maintain global Christian commitment include:

1.Intentional hospitality: Welcome international students, refugees, or immigrants into your home and church

2. Steward resources globally: Maintain or increase personal giving to global mission during times of national retrenchment
3. Stay informed: Seek out news sources that provide perspective on global church issues, particularly in regions underrepresented in mainstream media
4. Support persecuted believers: Remember those suffering for their faith through prayer, advocacy, and practical assistance

The Opportunity of Our Moment for Christians

While navigating tensions between America First policies and global Christian mission creates challenges, it also presents a profound opportunity. This moment invites American Christians to clarify primary allegiances, deepen theological foundations for mission, develop more equitable ministry models, and demonstrate that the Church’s witness transcends shifting political landscapes.

By thoughtfully engaging these issues, believers can emerge with both a healthier patriotism that seeks their nation’s best interests and a more robust kingdom commitment that prioritizes Christ’s global purposes. The path forward requires wisdom, grace, and steadfast commitment to principles that transcend political movements or moments.

As the apostle Paul reminded the Philippians regarding citizenship priorities: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). This primary identity, held alongside responsible earthly citizenship, offers the balance point from which faithful Christians have always engaged the challenges of their age.