 July 4 is Independence Day. It is America’s biggest secular holiday. We celebrate this day because members of the Second Continental Congress, gathering in Philadelphia, adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. In 1941, Congress declared July 4 a federal holiday. Other summer activities such as baseball games, trips to the beach, church picnics, and historical pageants have all become commonplace. Foods associated with this holiday include hotdogs, hamburgers, catfish, fried chicken, barbecue, watermelon, sweet potato pie, chocolate cake, assorted cookies, and homemade ice cream.
The Declaration of Independence is said to be one of the most admired documents of all time. It was written by Thomas Jefferson and revised by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Jefferson. “The Declaration of Independence is a justification of the American Revolution citing grievances against King George III. It also draws on the writings of philosophers John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau. It affirms that since all people are creatures of God, or nature, they have certain natural rights, or liberties, that cannot be violated.”
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In John 8 when Jesus speaks about God’s true children, the scriptures tell us that “if you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” He goes on to say that you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Jesus is the truth that sets us free. He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He watches our back by freeing us from the consequences of sin, self deception, and deception by the evil one. He clearly articulates the way to eternal life. Consequently, what we get is freedom to follow God.
In Galatians, it talks about freedom of the gospel. Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Christ died to set us free from sin; not free to do whatever we want because that would lead us back into slavery to our selfish desires. Thanks to Christ, we are now free and able to do what was impossible before, live unselfishly. We have been set free. We are delivered from law, sin, and death. We have been set free to serve God and share in his grace eternally. Many of us appeal to our own freedom so we can have our own way or indulge in our own sins therefore falling back into sin. We must take a stand against those enslaving us with rules for being saved and growing in Christ.
John Adams wrote that the Fourth of July, “ought to be celebrated with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.” That being said, this writer espouses a daily celebration; one which commemorates Christ as Lord. In striving to serve God, Jesus’ perfect truth frees us to be all God meant us to be. Amen.
- Ray Adams
Rayt242611@bellsouth.net
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