Happy Independence Day! // Galatians 5:1
Happy Independence Day! I love this holiday. I’ll admit I’ve struggled some of late with the condition of our culture. I was raised to be patriotic, but the corruption, unequal justice, and war on basic reality leaves me concerned about our nation’s future. It brings to mind the Mark Twain quote, “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.” It is imperative on days like today to remember the Founder’s conviction in natural law, believing our inalienable rights come from God and not the government.
A reading of Galatians 5:1 is appropriate for a day like today: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (NKJV). Our liberty was secured by Jesus who set us free from the bondage of sin and death. This meant that the early Christians could speak up and out for Jesus in their unfavorable culture, knowing that their eternal fate in God was secure. Most all of us grew up in a time that was at least indifferent to Christianity, if not favorable. That is not the case right now. We need the courage of the Founders who pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor for the cause of liberty given by Jesus.
I hope you will take a few moments today between time with family, friends, feasting, and fireworks to thank the Lord for the liberty made available to you in Christ Jesus. Don’t let the corruption of our culture make you cynical to live in this country in general, and for God in particular. Sure, you might encounter some stress along the way, but liberty was not given so you can go along with the crowd; no, it is the gift of an eternal crown that will never wilt or tarnish. Let’s give thanks to God for Jesus and the liberty He secured for you and me in His great and sacrificial love. And then, let’s start standing up and speaking out against the evil in our world to shine some Jesus light that illuminates this dark world with vibrant God-colors, just like the ones we will see tonight as fireworks explode their beauty, dotting the night sky!
