Allow me to give you the quick answer, “Yes!”
Notice I didn’t say that it’s okay to “worship” America. 242 years ago, God was getting along fine before the Declaration of Independence was written. A few brave men, stood against tyranny and signed a document that would declare independence of 13 United States from Great Britain. This was not an easy decision. The debate as to whether to declare independence from England lasted months even years. Finally, a very outspoken Patrick Henry, stood up in what is now called St. John’s Church, representing Virginia. He made the following statement, “Gentlemen may cry peace, peace — but there is no peace. The war has begun. The next gale that sweeps from the north, brings to our ears the clash of resounding arms. Our brethren are already in the field. Why stand we here, idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What is it that they have? Is life so dear and peace so sweet as to be purchased by chains and slavery. Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others might take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.”
That statement alone is worth celebrating. Freedom is not cheap. As the signers of the Declaration of Independence can attest. Freedom can be preserved by the actions of men and women. But this freedom is costly. The sacrifice of those who have gone before us is worth celebrating.
We know that true freedom, only comes as a gift of God. And real freedom can only be based in truth. Jesus said in John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” He followed that up by stating boldly in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Yes. Freedom should be celebrated. America should be celebrated. In the words of John Adams regarding the Declaration of Independence, “I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations of the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pump and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward.”
So regardless of your political bent, celebrate the 242ndanniversary of the Declaration of Independence. So far, this freedom has been preserved (although not perfectly.). Because we still have the ability to debate, and disagree, without free of retribution. So, let the fun begin.
And don’t allow anyone to tell you that it is shameful to celebrate the founding of this country. Those who were there in 1776 know better.
Let freedom ring!
Bob Bell
