{Eric’s preamble to this post: If you have never learned (or have forgotten) the history of America’s national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner, I encourage you to listen (again) to it here and consider the history and lyrics: https://youtu.be/YaxGNQE5ZLA}
It is that time again: hot dogs, watermelon, kids running through the streets with sparklers, and the anticipation of fireworks lighting up the sky (or, terrifyingly loud sky booms as we refer to them for our dog’s sake). America’s Independence Day marks the middle of the calendar year and the middle of summer vacation for the children of America. Around this time of year, we often listen to speeches about the pricelessness of freedom, and we laugh, cook out with friends, and enjoy the day off from work.
Often, the day comes and goes without much consideration for why we can celebrate that independence. God did not simply hand Americans freedom; but, He made the way possible and He equipped our Founding Fathers with the wisdom, hunger, and drive to fight for freedom. And the victory did not come through a handful of battles, but through years of substantial sacrifice.
One of my favorite quotes this time of year is from John Adams who spent considerable time away from Abigail and his children out of devotion to this budding country.
Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I ever took half the pains to preserve it. – John Adams
We can and should relish our freedom. Celebrating, shooting fireworks, and stuffing ourselves with grilled meats on the Fourth of July is great. Yet, we must remain vigilant because freedom is not guaranteed. When people get lazy and complacent, those with malicious intentions can slip in and begin tearing it down stealthily. Then, when the sneaky destruction of our liberty seems normal (or even “for our good”), they can (and will) continue ripping our freedoms limb from limb right in front of our faces. And honestly? It such happening right now.
Take Heart!
This is not meant to be a panic (or even somber) post. Currently, Americans still enjoy many freedoms. What we must do now is preserve the freedoms for which our forefathers fought. Here are some ways we can do that:
- Stay Informed. Get your news from a variety of different sources and points of view, and when possible, from independent sources who have boots on the ground and are not influenced (or bought) by any political party or affiliation. Refuse to be spoon fed information and take time to study sources and research the “facts” they are offering. Learn our history from true historians rather than revisionists – or even people just claiming to offer historical facts (because increasingly, they may not accurately reflect what really happened). We must know true history to avoid making the same mistakes.
- Get Involved. “Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.” This is another simple but profound quote by John Adams. Maybe you never expected to run for office, but you are motivated by the chaos around us. Really look into the possibility before dismissing the idea. We need good men and women in government – those who care about the people, the culture, our children, and freedom – and from a variety of backgrounds. We certainly have enough corrupt politicians. If you are not able to run for office, brainstorm ways you can help the fight to preserve liberty.
- Prepare to be Unliked (or Unfriended). Recently I posted a movie meme I thought was cute, but it communicated an opinion with which some do not agree. My funny post triggered a “friend” who wrote me a scathing comment and then unfriended me – over posting one meme. In this hot and humid political climate which we have endured over the past several years, I have scrolled past thousands of posts with which I disagreed (admittedly, some causing my eyes to roll far back in my head), but I kept scrolling. Even though her unfriending me over a difference of opinion says more about her than it does about me, it still stung. Keeping harmony in my relationships is important to me. Still, I know I cannot make any significant change in the world if my prime objective is to keep everyone happy by staying silent. Ultimately, what God thinks of us is all that matters. In a hundred years, none of us who are alive today will be fighting over politics, but our relationship with God will matter for eternity.
- Be Prepared for the Future. We recently discussed this point in a previous post and it bears repeating. We are living in some uncertain days, but we do not have to be caught off guard. Have extra food, water, gas, money, and supplies set aside – not from panic, but just from wise emergency preparation (because emergencies do happen). Diversify your finances. Listen to wise people who stay informed (and are not trying to sell you something) and prayerfully consider taking their advice. If you have the resources, over-prepare so you can help others if they need it someday. Nobody wants to hide his or her head in the sand more than I do (I am not a fan of conflict or anything which disrupts my calm), but I also know we cannot look the other way and hope nothing bad ever happens.
- Pray Alone and with Others. The good of our countries are worth our time in prayer. Whether you are an American or the proud member of another nation, your prayers are important. God instructs us to pray for our leaders (cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-4). Alone during our personal prayer time, and as a collective body of believers, we should lift up our countries regularly and pray for its leadership – for justice to come to corruption and for those seeking righteousness and the good of the people to rise to serve.
One beautiful silver lining to a crazier world is that it makes God’s people long all the more for our true home with the Lord. As C.S. Lewis penned, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”
Some days we feel helpless and hopeless when we watch the news or hear another troubling story, but we are told to take heart.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, ESV)
God tells us He has already overcome the world. We are not quite to the end of the story yet, but we know how it ends. This is a deep comfort to Christ-followers.
On America’s Independence Day, it is fitting to end with another of John Adam’s quotes. One to remember when we choose our scholastic majors, read our favorite authors, attend plays or art exhibits, and when we take the time to learn or perfect a new hobby:
I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain. – John Adams
A deep, heartfelt thank you to everyone who sacrificed to bring us the freedom we so often take for granted. May we take the mantle of freedom and preserve the gift you gave us for future generations.
What is something you will do this week to help preserve our freedoms?
Leave a Reply