July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence was unanimously approved by the Second Continental Congress delegates. Included in the first portion of the document were these words: “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.” Now, 250 years later, these truths are more important than ever. When many declare they are no longer proud of our country, many more are determined to show patriotism, extol love of country, and demonstrate that we are one nation under God.

When some mistakenly proclaim that we must have total separation of church and state, at times almost holding to the idea that our forefathers were not religious and did not seek God’s guidance in their decisions for our young country, we find these words in the Declaration of Independence: “We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.”

Let’s draw our attention to two terms in the statement above that should assist in our belief that we are truly a nation who sought, still seeks, God’s blessings: Supreme Judge (God Almighty, Eternal Holy One, Jehovah) and Rectitude (righteousness, morality, goodness, decency, correctness, integrity, uprightness) The writers of the Declaration of Independence included words demonstrating their dependence on God for their actions.

Though the USA is not a theocracy, I believe we are one nation under God, seeking His will and guidance in the affairs of state, decisions for our people, and policies to live by. One last statement: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” As Christians, we believe in our firm reliance on God’s protection for our country. We desire the blessing of God upon us: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” We celebrate our Independence Day. God Bless America!

gather2GO! Blessings!