Today we celebrate our independence as citizens of the United States. Although we often think that the colonies declared their independence from Great Britain on July 4, the date of the formal declaration of independence was July 2, 1776. July 4 was the date the final text of the Declaration was approved, and it wasn’t signed until August 2, 1776. However, regardless of the specific date, what is important is that we did become an independent country and established the Constitution as the “law of the land.”
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
John Adams
We would do well to remember John Adam’s words if we want to keep our country free. It seems that the nation is drifting away from the religious faith that has been a hallmark of the United States. Our freedom is not guaranteed forever. We must take care to remain a “moral and religious people.”
Scripture also tells us to include our leaders in our prayers.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ 1928 Book of Common Prayer
We are blessed to live in a free country, but our real freedom comes through Jesus Christ. He frees us from the slavery of sin and guilt and gives us a new life of freedom as a beloved child of God.
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:31-36