Independence Day

A few days ago, we celebrated Independence Day. We celebrated the freedom from Great Britain that was secured by soldiers and attested to by 56 individuals who were willing to commit treason and sign their names to the Declaration of Independence. And while your opinion may differ from mine, even with all her faults, America is still the greatest place on Earth to live!

America is great, not because of the immense beauty within her borders, or because of the prosperity and abundance we enjoy. The greatness of America is in the freedom we enjoy that was provided by the men and women who fought so that we could have it.

The men who signed the Declaration of Independence had far more to lose than they ever stood to gain. These men, along with many soldiers through the years, paid the price for what we enjoy today. This is what makes America great. Great people who have made a great sacrifice.

But, and you knew there was a “But” coming, didn’t you? But, there’s a problem in America. The problem isn’t a political party or even the government itself. The problem is me. It’s me and millions of others who have become complacent and indifferent in our responsibilities in this nation. And whether you like it or not, the problem is some of you. Perhaps Edmund Burke said it best when he said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

The good news is, it’s not too late to do something about it. In the Old Testament book of 2 Chronicles, Solomon had just finished building the temple where the people would go to worship God. He and the people were ecstatic, to say the least, so they offered enormous sacrifices and celebrated God’s blessings in a seven day celebration. The night following this celebration, God shows up and speaks to Solomon and tells him exactly what was needed to restore Israel in times of trouble. Interestingly, the same prescription is valid some 3,000 years later. He said:

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14, NLT)

God says, “Hey, things aren’t always going to be rosy, but when they’re not, if you - My people - if you will humble yourselves and pray and seek my face and turn away from wickedness, I’ll hear you and I’ll respond.” But the condition is the, “If.”

“If” we will humble ourselves.

“If” we will pray.

“If” we will seek God.

“If” we will turn away from wickedness.

I know people who say that America is, “too far gone,” but I don’t buy that for a second. Like Israel, we have enjoyed God’s blessings during our more than 200 years of existence. Perhaps the reason relates, in part, to our original pattern and purpose for government having been based on biblical standards. However, it is clear that we have drifted from our former commitment to be “one nation under God.”

So if God paid us a night visit, what counsel would He offer? It would, no doubt, be similar to the survival instructions He gave Solomon: humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from wickedness. There is healing in that simple message. Healing for individuals, for families, for businesses and for nations. But the job can’t be done by committee. It won’t be accomplished in the paneled rooms on Capitol Hill, in judges’ chambers, voting booths, city council meetings, or even church gatherings. It must be done individually, by “My people who are called by My name.” I’m in. And you?