Freedom

Independence Day not only represents the creation of a new nation, but also the creation of a new civilization, one founded on the principles of freedom, self-government, and equality from a different angle. 

In Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech in 1775, he begins by saying, “In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free… we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!” 

After multiple attempts to resolve the dispute between Great Britain and America, a fight was inevitable. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:17-19, “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God…” 

Thankfully, we realize that when we stand for Godliness, we’re not standing alone. In fact, we’ve been given many promises concerning our struggle and the victory we can have hope in when God is with us. Deuteronomy 20:4, “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." 

There are many encouraging scriptures that remind us that we are not fighting against evil on our own. God’s spirit guides us daily in the truth for the sake of His kingdom. Jeremiah 20:11, “But the Lord stands beside me like a great warrior. Before Him, my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will fail and be thoroughly humiliated…” 

The main thing to remember is why. Why oppose another? Why go to war? Throughout history, many nations have had to fight for their freedom; but when we consider the nation of “the church,” we have to understand how different it is from a nation about self. In fact, even freedoms like “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” must come to defer to God’s kingdom. 

As Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for y
ou,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” That future is in the Lord. It is a kingdom He fights for that doesn’t function the way other nations do. His kingdom celebrates new life where His citizens “really love others. [They] hate what is wrong, [and] hold tightly to what is good. [They] love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other…” (Romans 12:9-10). 

The Praise Psalms (the last 5 psalms in the book) are designed to focus on why we praise God for all his many attributes. In Psalms 148:13-14, amidst a praise for creation, it concludes with a reminder for all people to “let them all praise the name of the Lord. For His name is very great; His glory towers over the earth and heaven! He has made His people strong, honoring His faithful ones…”