This morning we are celebrating Independence Day in the United States and as a natural born resident, I think about the significance of this celebration to me as an American citizen. But what this leads me to is an even deeper consideration of the meaning this day, the fourth of July, has for me and how it compares to the day that I announced my personal independence from all kings and rulers with the exception Jesus Christ to whom I pledged my belief and loyalty... on that day I became a naturalized citizen, not of an earthly country or anything of this world, but of God’s heavenly realm, I became a Christian.