The week of the 4th of July is a time when people come together all across this country to celebrate our independence as a nation. This week, many families are on vacation at their favorite amusement and water parks. Some are enjoying a hot week at the beach, while others are in their swimming pools. Some families are visiting museums and aquariums. Some are taking in the sights of landmark places like the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, the Hoover Dam, Yellowstone and other national parks, and other historical places.
Yesterday was filled with different activities in celebration. Families came together and fired up their grills to cook hot dogs, hamburgers, and other foods. Firecrackers sparkled in the air as our blessed country celebrated our nation’s independence. In the spirit of the celebration, I stand proudly and shoulder to shoulder with fellow Americans as we thank God for all of the liberties that we have.
As we stand proudly as Americans, we bow our heads in honor of those brave soldiers who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms that we have and in honor of those who are not with their families to celebrate the 4th of July because they are on active duty. My heart goes out to the children whose fathers or mothers are no longer with them, to the young widows and widowers who have to raise their children alone, to the wounded veterans who have lost arms and legs, and to others who suffer psychologically as a result of war.
We have to admit that our country is not without problems. But despite our differences of opinion on moral, social and political issues and despite whether we are conservatives or liberals, we all stand on American soil and we all bleed the same red blood. We have the freedom to practice whatever religion we choose. As a preacher, I can freely proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. We also have the first amendment right to free speech, which means we can express ourselves verbally without breaking the law. We have the second amendment right to keep and bear arms.
Most of all, I’m thankful that our country was founded on Godly principles; “In God we trust” is our theme despite the efforts of those who want to remove it. The Bible says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12). Community, we are blessed because we are a God-fearing nation.
We are also blessed because we are a friend to Israel. For God himself said to Abram, of any nation that blesses Israel, “I will bless those who bless you, but I’ll curse the one who curses you, and through you all the people of the earth will be blessed” (Gen. 12:3 ISV). Let us pray for the peace of Israel (Ps. 122:6).
In this week of celebration, we also salute the American flag. As we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, we see the flag as a representation of veterans who shed their blood on behalf of our country. I believe that it is disrespectful to stomp on, spit on and burn our American flag in protest when we don’t agree with something when we see injustice. I believe it disrespects the sacrifice of those who gave up everything so that we can enjoy our liberties.
We will never agree with everything that goes on in our country. We acknowledge that corruption, racism, crime and immorality exist, but until the heart of man changes, these sins will continue (2 Cor. 5:17). Our country is not perfect, nor has it ever been perfect, because it is made up of imperfect people. That’s why we are called to pray for our country. We pray that we may live a quiet and peaceable life (1 Tim. 2:1,2). I call upon us to vote for candidates who will pass laws that align with our Christian values.
As we go throughout this week, may we all thank God for the United States of America. Let us pray for and honor all veterans. As we enjoy our families and loved ones, let us take a moment to reflect on just how blessed we really are. It’s easy to complain, but remember that there are countries where people are killed for their faith, countries where people can’t read their religious texts openly or pray in public. We must appreciate what we have. I know we have our problems and issues, but I wouldn’t trade this country for any other country on God’s green earth.
America is the greatest country on earth. To quote Lee Greenwood, “And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free, and I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me, and I’d gladly stand up next to you and Defend her still today cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God bless the U.S.A.”
Happy 4th of July week.
Rev. George Ellis is the pastor at Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
