July 4th, 1776-- A monumental day in the eyes and hearts of nations around the globe. For it was on this day that an unprecedented nation would be birthed. I doubt there were fireworks and Megan Kelly didn't broadcast it to the world, but what happened that day in a stuffy meeting room in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania would change the course of history forever, not just for thirteen colonies but for the world. America had arrived.
She was an underdog from conception. It had been attempted before. Others has risen up within their own nations longing for a brighter future for themselves and their posterity, only to lose ground. The idea was preposterous in itself. How could a people govern themselves? Surely they would fail; Government was supposed to govern the people not people govern the government. Yet despite all odds she emerged.
The territory was unknown and the first years and decades brought obstacles that threatened to claim the livelihood of this new America, but by the grace of God she awoke each season stronger than ever before. Her borders welcomed newcomers from all walks of life, and her people fought for her and her well being. America-- the underdog became America-- The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.
But in recent years America has entered a season like none in her history. America has strayed from the principles that once strengthened her. And though she may not be fully aware, danger darkens her door. She is our responsibility. Despite all odds, we are governing ourselves. The Founding Fathers made America great when there was barely a shimmer of hope for the future of freedom on this soil.
They gave us a blueprint, but in America's splendor and beauty, we have decided to push her boundaries, ignore wise counsel, and pursue complete freedom which was never the intention of this country. I'm here to say that if we keep pushing, she won't bend, she'll break along with her rich heritage, and we'll be to blame. We have to get back to the basics. As the sense of urgency has increased, I have compiled a short but important list of ideals that we have lost somewhere along the way. Let's get back to 1776.
1. Our Government is a direct reflection of the people.
With great power comes great responsibility. When the cries of our land echoed for self-government, those same cries also held the promise of responsibility. We have long forgotten the heart of those cries and a vital part of the equation-- self. Self-government begins with self. The government is a mirror image of the hearts of the people. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are running on platforms that we have created for them. You can complain about the election all you want, but we have created it.
The Founding Fathers and early citizens governed with determination. This country was created for religious freedom, and that is greatly reflected in the Cinderella story of an underdog nation. Today America is revered as one of the greatest and most powerful nations, but we govern with wealth, greed, and perversity. "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them," -Proverbs 11:3. We have to do a heart check and get back to the basics. God has blessed America, but we can't diminish and deny the fact that God is at the core of our foundation. As Ronald Reagan would say, "If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, there will be a nation gone under."
2. We are Blessed to be a Blessing.
God has richly blessed this nation. We enjoy freedoms that other nations can't even fathom. However, God didn't intend for us to stockpile the blessings that He has bestowed upon us. We are to bless others and to have giving hearts. Again that starts with self. Once we as individuals learn the value of blessing others, our country will follow suit.
Lady Liberty stands watch as a reminder that this nation isn't just for us but for nations around the world. We are so incredibly blessed; God has been so good to us. Remember, "The person who sows sparingly also reaps sparingly, and the person who sows generously also reaps generously." -2 Corinthians 9:6. We cant' afford a barren harvest.
3. Prayer Empowers
Prayer, real prayer, empowers. I'm always amazed at how far we will go to put God in a box, yet at the first sign of tragedy we tweet, post, and snap "Pray for...". It's a small phrase but one that holds so much power whether we realize it or not. It reflects our heritage and acknowledges the fact that we are powerless in the presence of The Almighty.
In fact, a detail that is overwhelmingly absent in our history classrooms is that Ben Franklin( Who, I remind you, was viewed as very secular) turned to God when the efforts of men fell short. He along with an entire room full of Washington's and Jefferson's prayed to the God of this nation to do the impossible. when questioned about his choice of action he just reminded the doubters that God helped them in the revolution; why wouldn't he now? The power of prayer-- We need to get back to that and with the same desperation and faith that God would show up that was present in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1776. We need to hit our knees and not just the tap to tweet.
This year we celebrate 240 years of independence and blessings. We also celebrate 240 years of responsibility and self-government. I am so thankful for the desire that God put in our forefathers' hearts. From sea to shining sea America's beauty radiates and beckons other nations to follow suit. This year as you shoot your fireworks and eat your watermelon and wear all your America apparel, stop and thank God for this beautiful country, truly thank Him. Celebrate the splendor, but don't forget your responsibility.
Check your heart, bless others, and pray! God has a direction for this nation, I truly believe that. He wouldn't bring us this far to abandon us, but we can't abandon Him either. " Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." Proverbs 14:34. America needs to be exalted and it starts with us. One heart, one home, one change at a time! Happy Independence Day!!
