As fireworks flare across the nation this day, we acknowledge the 4th of July. We celebrate Independence Day, the day 237 years ago when America declared her intentional independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. As infamous patriot, John Adams, penned a day prior: “… I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty…”
Adams went on to encourage a “solemnization” that included pomp and parade, guns and games, and a serious yet festive acknowledgement. I wonder what he would think of our country’s celebrations and acknowledgements today.
I’m a little stunned, friends. We claim to cherish our independence, and on one hand, perhaps we do; we also so quickly contradict ourselves.
As discussed previously this week, we crave the right to individually discern the path that seems best to us. But yet so many of us ‘cravers’ still clamor for government to choose the path for another.
As a current example, it is no secret that the Intramuralist is not a fan of Obamacare. After reading the bill, my strong sense was that it’s an economic burden and holds huge potential for future corruption. However, here is a bill that mandates individual behavior. How does that fit with a country that boldly claims its independence? The only way the bill pays for those who cannot is to mandate that all pay. Something within that logic seems to contradict a free, democratic society where we choose our own paths.
Even more contradicting, unfortunately, as we examine the heart of the decades old Declaration, is what we are actually acknowledging.
The Declaration of Independence was clear. All men are created equal with certain, unalienable rights “endowed by their Creator.” God’s presence and reality were never in question and never excused. God was acknowledged regularly and consistently.
And yet today, while again on one hand we wish to choose the path that individually seems best to us, many often want to silence the individual who chooses to credit their Creator. Friends, if we want to choose our own path, we must allow others to do the same. That means allowing and respecting those who praise the name of the living God.
I shudder when I think of the movement in this land to remove any public acknowledgement of the God of the universe. I shudder when any judicial branch defers to the man who claims to be offended by God’s name, but fails to consider any offense to God. Why do we allow the individual choice of some to acknowledge their path, but hypocritically not allow the individual choice of others when God is part of their path? Have we not seen? Have we not heard? How is that free? How is that an honoring of any declaration of independence?
While some will reject the historical scriptures outright, the wise man would be prudent to pay attention. The ancient scriptures always forecast the demise of the country that no longer credits the Creator. Bad things happen to countries where men continually forsake God, instead worshipping and accrediting manmade objects and ideals, somehow believing that we are wiser than the divine. Perhaps better said, too often we act as if we have no need for God. We give more thought and care to God’s omission than existence. Study history. Look at the numerous countries which quit acknowledging the God of the universe — and that now no longer exist.
Happy Independence Day, friends. I am apt to believe it should be celebrated… with pomp and parade… guns and games… and solemn acts of devotion to God.
Respectfully,
AR