Perhaps ironically, the title of the book was a quote from someone many of us know but would not consider in the same breath as the people I just mentioned. It is even more surprising that he applied it to things as simple as learning the banjo. It is clear, however, that this statement has a far wider application. Have you worked out who said it yet? It was the comedian and banjo player, Steve Martin.

An old mentor of mine said something that I always try to take to heart. He said, “Value significance over prominence.” It’s one thing to be loud, proud and noticeable, but what if our lives as disciples stand out because they are lived with such grace, wisdom, kindness, self-sacrifice and exceptional goodness that they are too good to be ignored.

I ask myself how our lives as disciples can embody Martin’s quote. Many people’s lives don’t—even those of Christ-followers. It’s only right that we be kind and helpful. But we have the Spirit of Jesus in us, so I expect much more from myself. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men that they see your goodness and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) Since the light in us comes from Christ (John 1:9)—let’s shine.

At the very least, the light of Christ in us, if not dazzling, should be too good to ignore.

As a schoolboy in England, I did not learn much about the Revolutionary War or the Declaration of Independence—for some reason. But now I am a citizen of the United States, and I have lived here longer than any other country in the world. As a son of one declined empire, now a citizen of its replacement—two nations hard to ignore—I want to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary with all the patriotic feels, but with some prayerful reflection.

Here’s why: Sir John Glubb wrote “The Fate of Empires and the Search for Survival.” In the article he identified seven ages to every great empire or nation’s life before they inevitably decay. On average, he said they last 250 years, or ten generations, with few arguable exceptions. The final ‘ages’ he identifies seem uncomfortably familiar to me:

6.  The Age of Decadence: Rising materialism, selfishness and an overextended welfare or military state.
7.  The Age of Decline and Collapse: Economic ruin, political infighting and loss of the civic virtues that built the empire.

That is sobering. But I want us to always remember we aren't just Americans. We are also citizens of an eternal kingdom, seekers of God’s righteous way. This way leads to everlasting life for all peoples. Let’s pray for the nation we call home and the kingdom that never ends. Pray that God’s righteous vision and hope for us will be what we cherish and live by. Nations rise and fall, but the kingdom of God has come in part and one day will come for all time. Now that is good news that is too good to ignore.

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Chris Jones is the Global Outreach Director at New Hope Church. He longs for the unreached people of the world to experience the life-changing love of God and for people at New Hope Church to find fullness of joy by obeying the Great Commission.