Pastor's Corner

DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE

Keith E. Murray, Pastor, Blanch Baptist Church

[This article was originally published in the Caswell Messenger on July 4th, 2018.]

Today is, of course, The Fourth of July.  Or, as it is also known, Independence Day—the day we Americans celebrate our independence from the tyranny of Great Britain’s King George III.  On this date 242 years ago, the Declaration of Independence, signed by 56 delegates from the thirteen colonies two days earlier, was approved.  When Benjamin Franklin signed the document on July 2nd, understanding full well the potentially deadly implications of such a stand (seen as treasonous by the mother country), he commented, “we are setting sail in a skiff (boat) made of paper.”  To the Declaration, the delegates all pledged their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor”.  In fact, even though the colonies eventually prevailed and gained their independence—which we gratefully commemorate this day—most of the delegates who signed did sacrifice much: a few lost their lives, many lost their fortunes as war ravaged their lands, and were indeed seen as dishonorable by those who did not agree with such a radical stand.  In short, we owe much to these brave and noble men.

Since July 4, 1776, much has happened morally, politically, spiritually, financially, and culturally in our nation.  The Declaration’s signees surely would barely recognize our nation today.  Although it is foolish to try to compare the fledgling colonies of the latter eighteenth century with our 21st century USA, one major change is worth noting: the loss of a dependent commitment to God as the ruler and benefactor of our national life.

I am not suggesting that we can return to the simpler times of 1776; nor do I recommend state-sponsored religion or another bloody revolution!  However, I do believe that we cannot escape an inevitable “melt-down” of our great republic without a new “Declaration of DEPENDENCE”—upon GOD.  As the psalmist wrote: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12), and “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). 

This “Declaration of DEPENDENCE” is not to be accomplished politically (although I believe we should exercise our civic responsibility and privilege to vote for and support responsible, godly government).  No, the Declaration must first take place in the hearts and intents of God’s own people.  As God promises his wayward people in II Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  Although “my people” originally meant the Hebrew people, today it may be applied to Christians.  Likewise, “their land” may apply to our nation in 2018, even though it originally meant the nation of Israel nearly two millennia ago.

Twenty years ago, I pastored a church ‘way up the coast of Maine.  I remember well an inspirational, patriotic poster I purchased for my office.  (It may still be there—I hope so!)  The photo was of an F-4 Phantom jet fighter taking off from an aircraft carrier.  The caption: “The best national defense is a return to God.”  Today, as we worry about at the outward threats of North Korea and radical Islam—and the inward threats of culture war and a slide towards ever-increasing immorality—the poster still makes sense!  Naval Air technology and our world map have changed in the past two decades, but the truth remains the same.

So, this Independence Day, remember with gratitude the remarkable founding of our nation—but don’t forget to pray for her as well!