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Happy Independence Day!
“We hold these truths
to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by
their Creator with certain unalienable Rights …”
--Declaration of Independence
"Too
often we hold fast to the clichés of our forebears. We subject all facts to
a prefabricated set of interpretations. We enjoy the comfort of opinion
without the discomfort of thought."
--President John F. Kennedy
As we celebrate Independence Day
this month we cannot help but remember our Declaration of Independence and
many national heroes. One reason for that is; it and they will be quoted in
speeches across the land and held up as examples for us to emulate.
National heroes are people who,
usually in the face of dangerous circumstances, have risen above the danger
and performed acts of great public service. We honor their selflessness and
courage and give them the title of “hero.”
However, these hero’s words can be
quite disconcerting, that is because they often challenge us in
uncomfortable ways. The above quote of John F. Kennedy illustrates such a
challenge. Kennedy challenges us to think for ourselves and not just accept
other people’s ideas. This quote can apply to issues as diverse as national
security and Biblical interpretation!
Here’s another challenging Kennedy
quote:
“Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can
do for your country.”
Or, consider these words of
Benjamin Franklin:
“They who can
give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve
neither liberty nor safety.”
Heroes challenge us to a higher
level of personal commitment and action to benefit the common good – also
known as public service.
The Declaration of Independence that we remember and
celebrate on the “Fourth of July” should also challenge us to reconsider
many of the current policies of our nation and the attitudes that prompt
those policies. I speak to attitudes that have an affect on policies that
cause effect on the common good. Attitudes that affect policies that deal
with issues as diverse as gay rights, immigration, pre-emptive war and
public education.
“We hold these truths
to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among
these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”
(underlines mine).
Today I see narrow, self-serving, unloving attitudes becoming
a driving force in much of public policy. Maybe the reason for this is fear,
maybe it is misinformation. Whatever the cause, we see our society deciding
that all men
can be “some” men who qualify with our standards. And the concept of
unalienable Rights
(rights that cannot be transferred to or
separated from) apply only to those acceptable men.
This kind of thinking is a dangerous threat to our liberty.
As we celebrate Independence Day this year let us remember
the sacrifice and example of so many people who have made possible our
celebration.
Let us emulate the example they set for us of public service
not self service. Let us remember and celebrate
all men
in its’ inclusiveness not exclusiveness. Let us hold dear the truth that
unalienable
Rights cannot be taken away from
nor transferred from a person.
I hold dear my independence; my freedom to be the man God
created me to be. I acknowledge and accept the great responsibility to
defend and protect your freedom to do and be the same, and I consider that
my patriotic duty.
Your servant in Christ and fellow patriot,
pastor john
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