Happy Fourth of July

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."  -excerpt from the Declaration of Independence

America is a great nation. In fact, I will go on record as saying that we are the greatest nation ever in the history of the world.

However, our rich heritage did not come easy but with great risk, sacrifice and loss.

Early settlers journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean over 400 years ago in overcrowded ships toward a new world hoping to find religious freedom, a new life, and greater opportunities. Many died on their way while others died shortly after reaching the shores of the New World.

Life in the early colonies was hard.

Navigating through new territory, sickness, and seeing many loved ones die were hardships early American settlers faced.

I can't even imagine what the day to day reality was like--can't fathom the magnitude of loneliness, fear, uncertainty, sorrow, physical pain, and loss. Early settlers persevered, giving their lives to what they believed in and what they hoped for. Our nation was founded on that resolve.

From that time, the foundations of our nation's identity began to take shape.

Fast forward to July 4, 1776 at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia where 56 delegates signed the Declaration of Independence, declaring the 13 colonies to no longer be under British rule.

Signers of the Declaration of Independence, leaders of this new nation, and colonists risked their lives and faced many challenges. For the next seven years, America would be engaged in the Revolutionary War against Great Britain. Hundreds and thousands of people lost their lives for freedom's sake.

Today, we look back on the significance of this day--the day our nation was born. We have come a very long way as a nation. From a fledgling militia united by a common mission, the United States has become a beacon of hope, freedom, prosperity, and strength.

America led the way through the industrial revolution, inventions, technology, and space travel. We have been involved in world wars and other major wars. We have fought for people's freedoms around the world and have also led out in world peace efforts.

We have become a nation with people from all walks of life--rich, poor, multicultural, different socio-economic classes, and educational backgrounds.

We can go on and on about how far America has come since July 4, 1776, but you get the point.

I do not think that our forefathers had any idea what our nation would look like in the future--both good and bad. But they understood that the strength of our nation would rest on the unseen--our heart, our values, our commitment to human dignity, and our commitment to God.

America has prospered for two reasons.

First, our nation's moral fabric has generally been guided by what God has revealed to us through the Bible. Our laws, values, and foundation for government began with that understanding.

Second, we have honored the dignity of all human life. The very essence of human freedom comes from the understanding that all of us are created in the image of God. Our fight against slavery, racism, and human injustice all stem from the way we value human life.

Today, what we believe and end up doing about abortion, euthanasia, and human trafficking reveals a lot about what we believe about God. 

So here is my concern. America is living on borrowed time because we no longer see God as the foundation of our nation. 

You see, if America continues to push God out of the picture and if we fail to value the dignity of every human life, we will fall. We may be a generation away from seeing this reality.

Knowing all this, the goal of Christians and all Gospel-centered churches should be to spread the Gospel and point people to Jesus. As we grow in Christ, Jesus will work through His people to bring Gospel-centered change in our communities and nation.

On this fourth of July, I would like to encourage Christians to consider a few things as we celebrate our nation's birthday and look forward to the future.

Give thanks
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."  1 Timothy 2:1-2

We can look at our nation and easily be discouraged, critical, depressed, angry and feel hopeless. Instead, let us take time today to thank God for the nation we live in--for all the benefits of living here, for the freedoms we enjoy, for those who gave their lives for our freedom, for the chance to pursue our dreams, etc. Do this daily. Whatever comes to mind, give thanks.

See Gospel opportunities
Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  Matthew 28:18-20

Freedom of speech in America has given Christians the great opportunity and freedom to share the Gospel anywhere in our nation. Take time to build bridges with the world around us--especially with those who are hurting and broken. Minister to people and show love in action. Look for opportunities to share the Gospel and be salt and light. Always point people to Jesus.

Be Christ-like
"This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."  1 John 2:6

As we live for Jesus, live like Jesus lived, and help people become more like Him. The heart of Christlikeness is not about working hard to fulfill certain actions. It is the call to follow Jesus, to walk with Him, and to grow in relationship with Him. This is where we grow into becoming more like Him.

Our nation does not need more Christianity in the form of legalism, moralism, behavior modification, or political activism. That is not Christianity and has given Christianity a bad name. The world needs to see what walking with Jesus really looks like.

Let us commit to live for Jesus, to share the Gospel and make disciples.

Pray
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."  1 Timothy 2:1-2

Prayer should not be contingent on whether we agree with our government or leaders. We are commanded to pray. Please pray for God to give wisdom and guidance to all of our leaders--from our president to our national leaders, from our governor to our state leaders, from our mayor to our local leaders.

Pray also for the direction of our nation and that God would use every believer in our nation to give God glory. Pray for God to do a mighty work in using us to see people come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior and also for national revival and spiritual awakening.

What will you risk for the Gospel? What will you sacrifice for the Gospel? What will you be willing to lose for the Gospel?

As this fourth of July comes to an end, it is my prayer that Christians in America will rise up, persevere, and lead our nation to center itself on Jesus so that through us, our nation can find true hope in our broken world.