Another Independence Day has come and gone (just barely). How did you celebrate? What did you do? What went through your mind?

Fireworks, grills at full blast, red-white-&-blue decorations displayed – we know how to throw a party. But is that all there is?

As a child, I enjoyed the 4th of July parades that honored our veterans (my great-grandfather served during World War I). There was a sense of joy and gratitude for who we are and what we’ve accomplished as a nation. Unfortunately, that “spirit” has lessened in recent years.

Are there problems in our land? Yes. Are there divisions within the ranks? Yes. Are there disappointments and fears? Yes. Is there anything to truly celebrate? Yes!

We may not be perfect, but we can be grateful that our flawed founders knew that God must be the basis of our nation. We ARE “created equal” – even though many people have forgotten that. We HAVE been “endowed by their Creator” – even though many people have forgotten that. We CAN enjoy “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” – even though many people have forgotten that.

Freedom has become an idea seldom acknowledged. Many of our countrymen gave their “last full measure” to ensure the freedom we enjoy, but that freedom should never be used to excuse bad behavior and evil choices. We have an obligation to live as good citizens, and those of us who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior must remember that we have received even greater freedom that requires responsibility – Galatians 5:1 reminds us, “For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

Perhaps we should remember that we are just “passing through.” We spend a few decades here, but eternity awaits us all. For Christians, we must remember that we have been given citizenship in God’s eternal Kingdom (Philippians 3:20 – “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”). Recognizing that truth puts life in perspective.

The official day may have passed, but let’s pretend it is still in effect. Be grateful to be here; it isn’t perfect, but it is vastly greater than what the majority of our world endures. Do what you can to make things better (by the way, griping does not make things better). Help others however you can. Pray for our leaders and one another. Live for God, and we WILL see God bless America.