Today we celebrate Independence Day in the United States of America. For many it's a time for patriotic displays, family gatherings, barbecues, parades, baseball, picnics, and fireworks. For me, it's a time of reflection as a disciple of Jesus.
The founding fathers of the USA declared in 1776 that the thirteen colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain and were "united, free, and independent states." In the preamble of the Declaration of Independence that followed it was proclaimed, "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."
The Bible says in Acts 17:26, "From one man He (God) made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and God marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their land." (NIV) Yes, long before 1776, God had a plan. What a blessings to have been born in a land that God had already appointed to you. In Isaiah 9:6 we are told, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. And, He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
This week I listened to the news as an atheist group plastered banners in downtown Ft. Worth, Texas saying, "In NO God We Trust." Many, according to the mayor there, were outraged, offended, and angered. As I read some online posts I saw responses that ranged from anger to indifference. Without a doubt, this group has the freedom to display their signs and hold their conference. The banners neither angered nor offended me; they simply made me sad.
As I read about the group, The Metroplex Atheists founded in 1991, I discovered that they are an organization "dedicated to informing the public and their members about the intellectual validity and the individual and social values of atheism." They seek "increased understanding and mutual acceptance." And, according to the Declaration of Independence, they have been endowed by their Creator to pursue that liberty. You see, we have the freedom of choice. As believers in Christ, we also have the freedom to go to that same location downtown Ft. Worth, Texas and share the Good News with the people on the streets. That's how it works in America.
Why then does it appear that believers in Christ are seemingly being persecuted for maintaining and proclaiming their beliefs? As this world increasingly changes it's laws to reflect the morality of the culture, standing on biblical principles, as we have the freedom to do, is often criticized. Can we not, agree to disagree? Must we be forced to accept something that goes against the values and convictions that we hold dear. Our faith is a choice. It's something that we choose to share, not something that we desire to enforce or demand others to accept.
Why then was I saddened by the banners? I was saddened, as any believer in Christ should be, because of lost souls. I was grieved because there are people who have not experienced the love, acceptance, and saving grace of God. There are many who don't have a personal relationship with Jesus. A relationship that is is built on a biblical foundation and an experiential encounter with El Khi - the Living God. A God who is loving and kind, merciful and just, and holy and righteous. A God who desires for us to be like Him.
This 4th of July as I hear the fireworks outside, I am reminded of a supernatural encounter with God where I saw fireworks, too. I remember it was a summer night years ago as I lay prostrate on the floor conversing with God. We had a communion that I had never experienced before. And, in that moment He allowed my spiritual eyes to be illuminated to see the incredible sparks of light of being joined with Him. It was a most amazing and explosive display of His love.
My prayer, as a disciple of Christ, is that you encounter the Living God in His Word, and that God will illuminate your eyes to behold His glory. For the atheist, I simply say this: reflect on this word in Jeremiah 29:13, "And you will seek ME and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."
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