“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” These words in the Declaration of Independence, begin the argument for why our Founding Fathers concluded they were justified to separate from England.
Our Founding Fathers had a vision of a new country, never before seen in human history. A country that recognized that every person is created in the image of God, and where every person can exercise the God given blessings of life, liberty, and freedom to pursue life as each person chooses.
Our Founding Fathers took the first step in realizing that dream. They did not realize that dream in their lifetime, but they sacrificed everything to begin the journey. Over the next 200 years, our country has continued that journey, with each generation striving to take the next step toward life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for ALL.
Abraham had a similar vision. He obeyed the call of God and left his homeland looking for “the city which has foundations whose architect and builder is God.” Heb 11:10
The Believer in Christ shares yet another similar vision. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.” Phil 3:20-21 There is coming a day when Jesus will reign over the earth, and fulfill the Kingdom promises given to King David. (2 Sam 7:8-17; Jer 31:27-37; 33:14-22)
As believers in Christ, we have been set free – Free from the penalty, power and ultimately the presence of sin. We have been adopted into the Royal Family of God, and will be with Jesus forever. Rom 6:1-14; Eph 2:4-7
Until that day comes, we are to fulfill our role as ambassadors who represent our King. We are to continue His kingdom work, that of seeking to save the lost, sharing the invitation of Jesus to enter His kingdom through faith in Him. Stated another way, we are to “Make Disciples.” Also, we are to pray for “His Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven.” We are to be salt and light, to be an influence to those around us.
So this is why I celebrate. I thank God for the United States of America where freedom is cherished and pursued. I thank God for the freedom I have in Christ, and the future destiny that awaits me as a believer in Jesus Christ.
May God use each of us to be part of a Disciple Making Movement within our sphere of influence.