Reflecting on the Declaration of Independence

Reflecting on the Declaration of Independence

The Fourth of July is always a great time of year in America.  It is a time to enjoy the summer weather, hang out with family and friends, go to parades, have a cook out, and watch some fireworks.  If we are not careful, we can get so caught up with the activity and celebration of the Fourth of July, we fail to remember what it is all about as American's. 

On July 4, 1776, we declared our independence from the tyranny of Great Britain and became a Sovereign Nation under God.  The Declaration of Independence is a sacred document for our nation, as one of the founding documents.  We study it, we talk about it, and some of us are able to go to the National Archives to see it.  But how many of us have read it?  I mean really read it?  How many of us have reflected on the significance of it?  How many of us reflect upon what it really meant to those who signed it? 

Every time I think of the Declaration of Independence I am inspired to be a better citizen and to stand up for the ideals that are contained in the document.  Upon careful examination of the Declaration, we discover that the signers risked everything.  The first 4th of July was not a celebration like today.  Freedom was not secure or in practice as it is today, it was only beginning.  What inspires me most is that while our forefathers declared our independence as a sovereign nation, they did so based on their dependence upon God.  There 55 signers, most considered themselves to be devote Christians and all of them believed in the Bible, the God of the Scriptures, and in His personal involvement in the affairs of mankind and the establishment of our nation.  You don't read that in the history books anymore, but if you read the actual Declaration of Independence you will see that the signers justification for rejecting the authority of the king of England was because the king violated their inalienable rights that God endows to every person.  So the justification to revolt against tyranny was based on this nations appeal and dependence upon the Sovereign God of the nations. 

 It was our dependence, as a nation, upon the Sovereign God that allowed us to declare our independence on July 4, 1776 and it is the same dependence that will keep us the greatest nation to ever exist on God’s green earth.  If you don't believe me, I dare you to actually read the Declaration of Independence and discover "these truths to be self-evident" for yourself.  It will bring a whole new meaning to the 4th of July, Patriotism, and the faith of our forefathers.  It may even inspire you to see things a little differently and the next time you hear someone say, "God Bless America", you will know it is true!  Have a great 4th of July - may God bless America and may America bless God!