Independence Day Reflections
Two hundred and forty-seven years ago dozens of brave men signed one of the most consequential documents in history. Very few of us alive today understand the trials and obstacles that our young nation faced. The Declaration of Independence itself didn't mark victory, rather it explained our cause to the world. Bloodshed, privation, and sacrifice followed in short order. The Founders' vision has been so realized that it seems hard for us to imagine a world in which the liberty we enjoy did not exist.
It has long been fashionable among cultural elites to disparage and denigrate America and decry all of our flaws and shortcomings. It's one thing to work toward a more perfect union. It's another thing to reject the whole system as unjust. This side of heaven, any system of human government will fail to express perfectly the righteousness and justice of God. Ironically, the liberty to critique one's own government and speak freely has been guaranteed by the same system some lament as unjust. I have a feeling that billions throughout history who lived and died under the oppression of despots, dictators and totalitarian megalomaniacs would feel differently.
We have taken for granted what took sacrifice to secure. I read about one recent poll that said only 59% of Americans could correctly identify the historical significance of Independence Day. It's hard to appreciate things of which you are ignorant or only vaguely familiar. Every time I read various works from our Founding Fathers, my appreciation and thankfulness grows. Thomas Paine, writing in December of 1776, gives us a window into what might have been had the Revolution failed:
"Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly:----Tis dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to set a proper price upon its goods and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared, that she has a right (not only to TAX, but) 'to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER," and if bound in that manner is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious, for so unlimited a power can belong only to God."
Today, I thank God for freedom. Today, I thank God for courageous men and women across the years who have given their lives to make this experiment in self-government possible. Today, I pray that I live a life worthy of the good gifts God has bestowed on me to be born and to live in this great nation.