“AN INDEPENDENT PEOPLE” 

July 4^th is the yearly observance of our nation’s independence from the rule of the British.  We certainly don’t see England in the same way we did back in the 1770's.  But we do value our nation’s freedom.  Countless lives have been given in defense of this freedom that we hold so dear.  But is there a point at which independence has gone to far?  Can there be an independence that is to our detriment and not our benefit?  I would make the argument that independence has in fact gone too far when it is an independence from our Triune God.

 Our nation’s independence came and remains at a high price.  Blood spilled on both foreign and U.S. soil is a high price indeed.  There are some in our nation who would never think of letting us forget the price paid for our nation’s freedom.  Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day are three such remembrances throughout the calendar year that bring to mind what should never be forgotten.  But there is the trend in our nation to seek independence from God. 

Our freedom from sin, death and the power of the devil is solely because God intervened in our situation.  He wanted us to be freed from sin and free to live in fellowship with Him.  When we seek to live independent from Him we are in danger of being enslaved again to sin.  Independence can go too far when we foolishly live apart from that relationship with God. 

So I had an idea.  Our nation has set aside several observances throughout the year to remind us of the benefits of living in this great nation.  What we need in the Christian Church is a day set aside for the observation of our independence from sin that God provided.  We need a day when we can come together and remember the gift of forgiveness.  Just think, we could get together and fellowship and sing and eat and give thanks to God.  I really think there should be a day set aside for such an observance.  All in favor???

I wish I could take credit for such an idea.  But God beat me to it.  “Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy.”  Sound familiar?  Sunday morning is that special time for celebration and thanksgiving to God for our true independence day.  For we are dependant on God who has given us the blessing of freedom from sin.  Let us stop seeking independence from God and truly follow Him not only through the summer months but all the days of our life.  To God be the glory both now and forever!  Amen.