Celebrating Independence as Dependents

Cascades of color burst into the fading light of a hot summer sky. From where I lived in Colorado, I could see the firework displays all over town and on the top of Pikes Peak. The night rang out with the sounds of excited children; the air was redolent with the smell of the barbecue and in the comforting camaraderie of family and friends, we celebrated the independence and freedom that this holiday commemorates. The “Glorious Fourth” is one of my favorite holidays in a country that I have chosen as my own. From sea to shining sea millions will, once more, celebrate this unique holiday weekend.

There are however, some subtle pitfalls inherent for the Christian in Independence Day. While it is without doubt commendable to be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy here in the USA, this spirit of independence works contrary to the intent God has for the lives of believers no matter where we live. He has created us to be totally dependent upon him as our source and to live confident of the Triune God’s ultimate intention for the universe and its occupants. Ever since our forefathers ate of that tree of the knowledge of good and evil, man’s proclivity is to act independently of God to fix things. This, coupled with the deeply ingrained awareness of inalienable rights bestowed by the Constitution of this country, causes many believers to lose sight of the true source of their supply.

This confusion contributes to the galvanized political positions, which are so prevalent in our country. The eroding of individual rights and the decline of standards and values persuade many Christians to become very vigorously and vociferously involved in trying to change the country. Although it is their prerogative to do so, their zeal often alienates the general populace from the love of the Lord—the very thing that offers hope of lasting change. This then creates deep chasms between the opposing sides and does not reflect the intention of the Father for His world.

Can the harassment, and especially the murder of abortionists, show the unconditional love of the Father? What does the banning of books bring to the picture of a God who has granted his creation the awesome attribute of choice? Is the disapproval of homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle or the non-acceptance of single parent families as equal to the norm, out of concern for the participants, or out of fear that they threaten the Christian comfort zone so often defined within a moral code? Do we care more about the threat to our accustomed life styles than we do about the desperation of those who run to us to taste something of the sweetness of freedom and the pursuit of happiness?

Such attitudes and activities misinterpret the mandate given to us by God. The charge is not to change the system though it may be corrupt; not to impose morality albeit the mores are often murky, but to bring a message of reconciliation from God to man that says, Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you. The viewpoint and the life of the believer will always clash with the world culture and produce persecution: we are to rejoice in that, not get riled up and act out of irrational fear. The world system--the province of the Prince of Darkness--is right on track and it should not be a surprise to us that sometimes we feel the earth move as that which seemed so stable falters and falls, and the magnetic north of normal is no longer a navigational tool that we can sail our ship by.

However, Christ will return to reclaim the earth for which he has paid the ultimate price. Until that day we can safely retreat to, and rest in, the Kingdom that resides within us where no government can intrude or threat disturb. Out of that place occupied by the Spirit of Christ will flow compassion rather than confrontation, peace in place of polarization, and a desire to be servants of society not its police force. The only ground we are to be concerned with gaining here is the territory that houses the hearts of people who need to know that true freedom is in Christ.

So, as the fireworks soar and arc in the skies this weekend, we can unabashedly celebrate all that being an American means. It is still a pretty wonderful place--take it from an immigrant! But let’s party as dependents on this Independence Day. That is true freedom!

Alice Scott-Ferguson