Of all our national holidays, July 4th stirs patriotism in our souls the most. It is a day when most people celebrate in some way. Friends and families get together for outings, picnics, games and fireworks.
But it is important to remember that people lived in this land long before the Declaration of Independence. Many came because of their faith in God and their desire to worship without fear or oppression. They believed that freedom, like grace has its source in God and the power of His Word and is offered to every man by the Creator as an inalienable right. This belief united the New World as it rose to demand freedom and caused the new republic which became the United States of America to be established upon the truths and principles of the Bible.
For almost two centuries these truths and principles guided practically every aspect of American life. As a result, America became great. Her citizenship became coveted and the envy of the world. She became a beacon of hope around the globe and her people were loved for their godliness and goodness.
But as we celebrate today, one would be naïve to not know that the America we love is in crisis. Why this change?
For decades now elements of our society have aggressively worked to remove God from our public life and value system while apathy has largely prevailed among Christians. As a result, radical changes are taking place in America today that have us on a fast track away from all that has made America great.
The same foundation (biblical truth) upon which we formed this country speaks truth to us today. We find that when God is removed from life, decline naturally follows. Consider these thoughts from the book of Ecclesiastes:
Godless learning ------------ cynicism (1:7, 8)
Godless greatness ----------- sorrow (1:16-18)
Godless pleasure ------------ disappointment (2:1, 2)
Godless labor ---------------- hatred of life (2:17)
Godless philosophy---------- emptiness (3:1-9)
Godless life ------------------ depression (4:2, 3)
Godless religion ------------- dread (5:7)
Godless wealth -------------- trouble (5:12)
Godless existence ----------- frustration (6:12)
Godless wisdom ------------- despair (11:1-8)
GODLY FEAR -------------- fulfillment (12:13, 14)
The bible says that “the beginning of wisdom is the FEAR of the Lord” or a reverent and trusting attitude toward the person and word of God.
Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines wisdom as follows:
Wisdom
1. a. accumulated philosophic or scientific learning: knowledge
b. ability to discern inner qualities and relationships: insight
2. a wise attitude, belief, or course of action
3. the teachings of the ancient wise men
As we celebrate our nation’s birthday, let’s commit ourselves again to wisdom through the Truth which made America great.
God Bless America!
