In 1776 there was an original Committee of Five authors tasked with writing the Declaration of Independence. John Adams, one of the original five, wrote to his wife regarding the historic event that was unfolding.
“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
In 2017 we can see Adams’s prediction was off by two days. The holiday is celebrated more today than possibly ever. The manner in which Adams believed it should be celebrated has been fulfilled quite well. But, have we forgotten where our freedom comes from and who and what our actions should reflect?
Last week many Americans ate bar-b-q, watched parades and fireworks. Various shows of magnificence, splendor and ceremony were witnessed across the nation (definition of pomp). But for the life of me, I didn’t really connect those solemn acts as acts of devotion to God. Yes, a few bars from God bless America, but was the day, was MY day an act of devotion to God? Maybe I don’t hang with the right crowd and then again, maybe I’M not the right crowd. Maybe Adams was just plain wrong. Or, maybe we need to remember how this country was founded and why it has been blessed the last 240 odd years.
Ronald Reagan gave his farewell address in 1989 where he referenced a phrase from the parable of salt and light in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 (copy and paste this link to hear a two minute clip… https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-mozilla-002&hsimp=yhs-002&hspart=mozilla&p=reagan+city+on+a+hill#id=3&vid=c65dbb5ad763f485bb13a20e981f1328&action=view). Reagan was quoting a sermon from 1630 by John Winthrop as he admonished the colonist in Massachusetts in what would become the ‘ideal’ to represent the new America and the new American city. Winthrop declared the Puritan’s community would be a city on a hill, watched by the world to set an example of unity, charity and affection or they would be seen as a failure to keep covenant with God. Hhhhmmmm.
Politicians from JFK to Bush and Obama have flirted with the same analogy of America as a city on a hill and a light to the world. The difference between the use of the analogy is defined by the reflection of our own glory as opposed to America’s light shining for God’s glory. Christ set it straight for his listeners, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16.
I’m convicted today that my celebration next year should include more than a hearty prayer of thanks over a pulled pork plate at Williamson Brother’s BBQ. July 4th does commemorate the great anniversary Adams eluded to in 1776. Freedom from a power that was far greater than those who needed rescuing. Freedom for this country that originated with Christ and His death on the cross. Freedom for all who claim His name, His power and His redemption from their sins and shortcomings. Freedom that was born as part of this country as our founders sought the ability to worship the creator and become that city on a hill.
I can’t speak for ‘Merica, but I can encourage all Christ followers to remember WE are saved and called to be a beacon of light so that the world may praise our Father. July 4th should be the most memorable epoch in the history of our country. July 4th should be a time for Christians to step out and shine for America, and for the Kingdom. Every day you and I both shine a light that reflects either ourselves or our God. Let’s make sure this Independence Day reminds us to be a beacon for something other than our own indulgences as a people and a nation.
America is watched by the world. Our people set the tone for what the world can see, not our politicians or our media. Does the world see we are keeping covenant with God? Will we show the world and each other unity, love, charity and mercy for all people? Will you?
Shine your light accordingly. The world is watching. God bless America.