Why Independence Day?

OK, so we all know that July 4, 1776 was the day our Declaration of Independence was signed and declared. That is a fact. But, what exactly does it mean to us now as Americans?

How many of you have actually read the words and thought about what those old patriots were really saying? Yes, I know you went to school and were forced to study it in some U.S. History class so you could graduate. But, how many of you have really thought about what it cost? We Americans read it then just continued to do our own thing, not understanding what our forefathers actually sacrificed so future generations could have liberty.

I see too much dissention among our Nation. We argue and fight against ourselves and our interest groups that we believe in and forget that there is only one enemy, just as there was only one enemy way back in the beginning of America. I am not against fighting against injustice or against those who would abuse us to gain their own advantage. I think free speech (And all the rest of the Constitution) are noble and the best man can do given our evil and selfish nature. However, when you study carefully what the writers of our Declaration of Independence and Constitution were truly saying, you will notice (I hope) that they wanted all Americans to have the liberty and freedom to choose their own way of life, even if it was a bad life. The point is that we each as unique individuals have the right to decide our own destiny. And if that right of liberty is threatened we also have the right to fight against anyone or anything that tries to take it away.

Now, we as Christians (And America began that way) are told that we should submit to the authorities or turn the other cheek by our Lord Jesus. But, I submit, that in some cases that is not the right course of action. Even Jesus beat and threw out with anger those who defiled the Holy place in the Temple of God. He was no passivist. He came to bring a sword of truth to wake people up to the fact that only God Himself is the ruler and leader of the world (Including America). The early forefathers knew this fact and wrote our “Law of the Land” (Constitution) as a guide to follow for them and the future generations to return to the real King Jesus. Even one of the flags used during that day stated, (Sons of Liberty by George Washington, "An Appeal To Heaven" and “We have no King but Jesus”. (Look it up on Google if you don’t believe me).

Now, saying that I want to add that regardless of your religious convictions, the forefathers were wise enough to state that we are a Nation under God (Or our Creator). They believed in tolerance of all faiths and differing personal beliefs or lifestyles as long as those differences did not cause a break in UNITY. They knew from history that only a people who could remain in UNITY despite their individual differences (In any kind) could remain a Nation that would allow the Liberty to pursue life, freedom and happiness for each individual in the collective Nation. And that only that would allow us to remain unified against tyranny.

On another kind of weird note, I like the TV commercial that shows a former Marine drill Sergeant as a therapist. The commercial states, and I paraphrase, “Can a former drill Sergeant from the military be a good therapist?” and then he is shown telling a whining client, “Well, why don’t we go over to Nambe Pambie Land and get you some self-esteem!” (And throws a box of tissues at the client). I think it the funniest commercial (And accurate) concerning our spoiled and selfish self indulgent generation. (And I know that my colleagues may give me criticism for saying this!). Well, that's what freedom is all about according to men's best thinking. I will honor their right to their own opinions, I am also a veteran and a citizen of America and honor that priveledge too, even if I believe there is a better form of Government yet to come. God is seeing to that!

So for now, God bless America this 4th of July Holiday! Hope you all remember WHO gave us our freedom and what it cost. A friend of mine says that, "There are two defining forces that have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G.I., One died for your soul, the other for your freedom."
I believe that's worth thinking about this Independence Day!