Not the Paper, But the People and the Principle

If I remember rightly, Independence Day is about the signing of the Declaration of Independence that happened near or around this date 14 months after the start of the Revolutionary War (which began at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775). And if my history is not revisionist, the Declaration was actually made for the benefit of France. We needed their help against Britain, and they needed our assurance that when all was said and done, we wouldn't take up sides against them with the Mother Country.

As I consider the discretion exercised by France before involving itself with our war, I think on Jesus' caution that we count the costs before we take up our cross to follow Him--into His war.

I counted the costs the best I could and made my own Declaration of Independence when I stood in knee-high water to be immersed in the waters of baptism by my Grandfather on Father's Day, 1997. Already saved, I was declaring to the Body of Christ that was present, that I was on their side. On His side. At whatever expense.

Our great nation's Declaration of Independence will someday slip away, rot or burn. But the Declaration made by each believer in Christ will not; it is an eternal proclamation and it holds a never-ending victory.

So as I mark this day, I will celebrate America's Declaration of Independence and be grateful for the freedom and relative safety it gives me, and you, in this time, to make our personal Declarations of Independence. God bless the United States of America. And God bless us all.