The 4th of July, Independence Day as ‘we the people’ see it…
Traveling to be with family and friends, picnics, fireworks, parades, showing love of country are some of the many ways we the people of the United States of America choose to celebrate the 4th of July, Independence Day.
July 4th serves as a reminder of our country’s declaration of independence from England. It symbolizes a turning away from the old, oppressive ways and looking forward to a new way of life – one that offers freedom, liberty, justice, and a better life for all.
While declaring independence was one step, the actual gaining of independence took a long war fought against an oppressor.
God is with us…
Those who have been paying attention are aware of the injustices, the taking away of freedoms, the divisions that have been taking us further and further into a figurative darkness. This darkness has caused a deterioration of our collective health – mental, physical, economical, emotional, spiritual — and of our relationships between family members, friends, governments at all levels, churches, man and the earth, and most of all with God, our Father in Heaven.
Our concerns have caused cries for help. God, who has been weeping for and with us, has heard our cries, our pleading for help. He knows we are at a point of no return on our own. His intervention and our positive response are all that can save us.
He has told us his miracle answer to solving all our problems, “Wake up, America! Reconcile!” He has given us what reconciliation should be: *Restoration of friendly relations, *making one’s view or belief compatible with another, *former enemies agree to a truce, *restored trust and respect among warring parties, with one another – family members with family members, neighbors with neighbors, church members with church members and beyond, lawmakers with lawmakers, world leaders with other world leaders, and most of all God’s creation with God.
Because God knows this will not be an easy-to-follow fix, he has promised to be with us to guide us. He has reminded us of his love for us, a love that is beyond human understanding, a love that is for everyone with no exceptions. Such miraculous, sustaining love can perform miracles through those who strive to do things God’s way (John 14: 14). He tells us to have no fear; instead, we should open our ears to truth, open our minds to understanding these truths, and open our hearts to love (Acts 26: 18). If we do these things, he will restore our health in all areas and restore our soul (Matthew 13: 15 – 17).
God’s suggestions for a new kind of Independence/Dependence Day…
We have been living in oppression. We need to declare independence from the oppressors – even if they are family, friends, revered church leaders, government leaders who think as we do, and even if in our finger pointing of ones causing the problems, we find the finger pointing right back at self.
Declaring independence from sins and from following those who show sinful words and actions must be made.
Declaring independence from oppressors means turning away from the old, oppressive ways and looking forward to a new way of life – one that offers freedom, liberty, justice, and a better life for all.
***NOTE: Declaring independence from sin and those with sinful ways does not mean that relationships should be broken. God says, “Establishing and maintaining relationships is important. If you break relationships, how can you ever hope to help one another?” It is possible to declare independence from the influence of sins and those who promote and show sinful ways while still maintaining productive relationships. In other words, be inclusive, not exclusive.
While declaring independence is one step, the actual gaining of independence will take a long war. It will be a battle not fought with guns.
Declare dependence on God…
God is our hope and salvation. Without him, we are defenseless.
Declare and be ready for battle, going forth equipped with the full armor of God. With this armor, you are preparing to stand against the wiles of the devil. You will be going against powers, principalities, against rulers, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
A review of the Full Armor of God is necessary:
Girth loins with truth, wear the breastplate of righteousness, shod your feet with the gospel of peace then go forth with the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit – the word of God. Pray without ceasing. (Read Ephesians 6: 11 – 18 to learn about this truth and gift of power in the Holy Scriptures.)
Unless we go forth prepared for battle as suggested, we will fail.
You will not win the battle unless you interact with the ones causing the darkness. You must be a shipbuilder, building relationships, for that is the only way to win the war not fought with guns. God, the Master Shipbuilder, will be your Spiritual guide and stay.
Wake up, America! Reconcile!
As more and more of us turn away from the old, oppressive ways, we will find ourselves with renewed hope and faith, seeing a new way of life – one that offers freedom, liberty, justice, and a better life for all – not as wishful thinking, but as a real possibility.
Declare independence as God suggests and let Independence Day begin right now. To show you understand the full meaning of this declaration, you might want to call it Independence/Dependence Day.
Upcoming: I Ain’t Gonna