By GFI board member, Randy Stahmer
In America, we just celebrated our national day of Independence. A day set aside to recognize our independence from a foreign power.
[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. – That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness] – – excerpt from the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
The original leaders of the 13 colonies recognized the despotism, injury and usurpation, and tyranny of the British Empire. Thusly, a new form of government was organized, independent of what was viewed as evil. Fundamentally, therefore, America exists today thanks to our ancestors that recognized oppression and desired freedom. We say that America is the “land of the free and the home of the brave” and “give me liberty or give me death”. Francis Scott Key (1840) and Patrick Henry (1775). The battle for freedom is eternal. There is the eternal battle against evil on behalf of good. We can see, therefore, that there is patriotism and loyalty on both sides; those loyal to the enemy and those loyal to the Lord.
When America first was organized there were an estimated 2.5 million people here. Today, there are over 330 million people who call America home. With such a vast population; is it possible therefore, for every citizen of this country to have the same values, same religion, same culture? It has been demonstrated throughout the 247 years of American history that this concept is at the very least difficult. With so many souls, so too are the many views and opinions. But there is only one truth that is founded on God’s Word. Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life and No One comes to the Father except through Me”. John 14:6
I am sure all of us can recall a family member who served and perhaps died on the battlefield. Those experiences can pierce our souls, leave lasting impressions and shape our resolve. They can impress upon us what freedom, loyalty and patriotism is all about. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-7
In Lee Greenwood’s song, “God Bless the USA” there is the lyric, “I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free”. With this pride and sense of patriotism we put our hand over our heart, we acknowledge the sacrifices made by our fathers and mothers. We stand united in a country and under a flag that represents courage and resolve to defend a value system founded on the principles and Word of God. In the summer season of family, outdoor activities, hot dogs and fireworks, let us remember the Spirit that binds us together into a freedom-loving and God-fearing nation. God Bless America.