“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
On July 4, the United States of America will celebrate its 250th birthday. This day is highlighted by fireworks, cook-outs, beach outings and sports. It’s a day off. And most of us probably won’t think about the Founding Fathers and what actually happened 250 years ago. We won’t be thinking about their “why”. Probably in some corners of America, there will be protests about America, people will take an opportunity to criticize our country. Let us take a few minutes to reflect on this auspicious day and on freedom in general.
It is hard to imagine the scene in Independence Hall in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. The heat of summer. Most of us are feeling that these days. No air conditioning. No fans. A bunch of properly (overdressed) Englishmen debating a revolution, writing a Declaration of Independence, and forming a new nation. No one had experience of any of that. If things took a downturn and their venture didn’t work out, it meant certain death to them. And if they were to succeed, it would certainly mean a war and death to thousands of others who would be fighting for this cause.
The argument for independence was centered on inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They would establish a government of the people, by the people and for the people. They would create a Constitution which gave the right to free speech and freedom of religion.
The Founding Fathers were all Christians. But they were not going to impose Christianity as the law of the land. Religious freedom was a founding principle of the new nation. One was free to practice religion. One was free to not practice any religion. But there would be no imposition of religion on anyone.
People had the right to free speech and freedom of assembly. If someone didn’t like something, it was his right to speak up about it, with an emphasis on speaking up, not rioting, or looting or burning things down, or blocking traffic.
One’s right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness could not infringe on the right of someone else to do the same. There is a saying “your right to swing your fist ends before it gets to my face.” People were free to express themselves provided that they did not harm others in their expression of freedom. Freedom has boundaries, it is not absolute. This is where law and order comes in. Because if everyone is free to do whatever they want, we’d have chaos and fear, not peace and tranquility. So we’re not free to drive our car whatever way we choose to—there are speed limits and traffic lights so that everyone has a chance to get to where they are going safely. And when one breaks the laws, there are consequences, like tickets and fines.
One can stand on a street corner and protest, but can’t impede traffic. One can scream his lungs out in support of his cause, but can’t coerce or compel others to agree with the cause.
And this is what seems to be getting lost in our country. “My truth” has replaced “truth.” And because so many people are arguing for so many “truths” the concept of truth is actually vanishing. Chaos is replacing order.
Our founding fathers were not perfect people, just as we are not perfect people. But they had some very good, very solid and very lasting ideas. Our expressions of “freedom” taken to different countries in the world would result in imprisonment or even death. So we should be thankful for what we have and we should safeguard freedom, not use it recklessly or selfishly. Because the truest expression of freedom is actually not independence or independent thought but is love. One is most free when one experiences love. And so while we should never impose God on others, we should preach the message of God’s love because this is where true freedom is found. And not only should we be preaching this message but living it. The message of God’s freedom is not found in tangible signs like fireworks displays or protests. It is found in the intangible moments where one allows another to have freedom and dignity. Freedom is offered in forgiveness and reconciliation, in kindness and generosity.
The Scripture verse for today is from the beginning of the book of Joshua. Moses has died. Joshua is now the leader of the Israelites, several hundred thousand of them. They are a disorganized and tired group, having wandered forty years in the desert on the way to the “Promised Land.” Now about to enter the Land of Canaan, they are not only tired and disorganized, but they are fearful for what they will find, what will this new land be like. And God commissions Joshua and through him tells the people: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) I imagine that our Founding Fathers took this verse to heart as they formed a new country, and started a revolution in order to do it.
As we mark Independence Day and enjoy food, family and fun, let us also not forget to celebrate freedom, to thank God for the freedoms we enjoy, but also to understand that freedom does not mean “anything goes.” True freedom actually requires order, structure and law. True freedom actually excludes behaviors that are harmful to others. And as Christians, we know that true freedom is found in God. However, God is not imposed on others, we do not coerce others to believe as we do. Rather we demonstrate God’s love through examples of kindness and service. We sow seeds and then allow the Holy Spirit to nurture the seeds we sow in others. July 4 should not just be a holiday, but a holy-day. While the centerpiece on the table will be a burger or a steak, the centerpiece in our hearts should be freedom and the centerpiece of our lives should be God.
Lord, thank You for the gift of freedom. Thank You for the opportunity to rise each day in a land where we are all free to improve. Help me to look deeply into my own self, and to understand the areas of my life where I can improve, so that I can contribute to the society in this country, in a way that promotes freedom and dignity for all. Forgive the sins of my youth, help me to put away childish thoughts and ways, and to embody faith, hope and love in all aspects of my life. Amen.
God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her, through the night with the Light from Above.
God bless America!
