A City on a Hill

John Winthrop, was a prominent Puritan leader and the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Part of his message entitled, “A Modell of Christian Charity” (1630), included these familiar words:

For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. So that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause him to withdraw his present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world.

President Ronald Reagan would add “shining” and draw on this idea that the United States is a shining city on a hill. In some ways suggesting the USA made it, but also giving all the encouragement to continue to live it out.

In this summary, you may hear a similar sentiment being raised. Some argue what Winthrop offered up as a call to live in humility, was used by Reagan to empower a political agenda.

I believe some argue against Reagan’s use of these words too, wanting to separate the USA from a direction given by Jesus. However, I would suggest we can’t. This is especially true if we think of ourselves first as residents in God’s Kingdom who have been blessed with the opportunity to live here in the United States.

There is an important distinction there. We are Christians first and foremost, followers of Jesus Christ. The words echoed by Winthrop and Reagan point to these words spoken by Jesus, words that are to resonate true in all of our lives.

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5, CEB)

Now, as Christians, we are called to go out into the world to share the Gospel message, wanting all to hear, to change their hearts and follow Him.

This isn’t arrogant. This is being faithful to our call.

When we live out our calling, our hope is for more and more people to shine His light, to love as Jesus loves!

What a beautiful community, and country, that would be to live in!

Blessings,

Pastor Matt