WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT AMERICA?

What should we think about and steward on this 250th American Independence Day?

Fireworks and food? The joy of sport, camaraderie, and unity without obsession? Gratitude for soldiers lost, veterans, and those actively serving?

Sure.

But how about God’s blessing of the American Idea?

My father, Jack Kemp, cherished it:

“The American idea is that the Declaration of Independence applies to every individual. Everyone should have the same opportunity to rise as high as their talents and efforts can carry them. And while people move ahead, we should endeavor to leave no one behind.”

America is a grand experiment and enterprise to implement principles of self-government that unleash the best in people from all backgrounds.

Tenets of the American Idea include:

• God gave life and rights to all people.
• Opportunity for liberty, freedom, equality, and justice.
• Opportunity to pursue your potential and destiny through your dreams, talents, and calling.

 

Humanity has struggled to create and sustain truly good nations. Civilization is replete with dysfunctional nations. America drew from the best forms of government to shape our democratic republic.

Alexis de Tocqueville reminded us of the need to continually repair and renew America:

“The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.”

“Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith.”

Repair, restoration, renewal of souls, morality, and good-neighbor citizenship all depend upon humility, Jesus’ greatest trait.

It is humility that appreciates “the kindness of God” which leads to repentance. Repentance leads us to forgiveness, freedom, and restoration.

So let us seek and pray for humility that leads to confession and repentance. Let us turn from pridefully seeking power, control, temporary comfort, advantage, or status. Let’s turn away from doing things our own way instead of being led by God in His ways.

In marriage, parenting, commerce, and politics, may we turn away from trying to be right more than aiming to love and be good.

British evangelist George Whitefield, who was published and promoted by his deist friend Benjamin Franklin, brought America a message of God’s grace in Christ through repentance. As Stacy and I did, I hope you enjoy the movie about these men, A GREAT AWAKENING. It captures the spiritual revival that helped fuel the remarkable tide of the American Revolution.

Revival in America gave courage, vision, and allegiance to God. It was linked with God’s miraculous hand in the saga of winning the Revolutionary War against the strongest empire in the world at that time. I recently read THE PRINTER AND THE PREACHER, about the remarkable men, Franklin and Whitefield, and their role in the American Idea.

Have a joyous and grateful Independence Day with your family.

Throw a football. Grill a burger. Enjoy the sparklers. Thank a soldier.

Recommit to stewarding the American Idea.

And embrace humility before our loving God.