By Pastor Doug Stauffer
Every celebrated Independence Day finds patriot hearts swelling with pride and gratitude for our freedoms enjoyed in this great nation. Even after the fireworks, parades and family gatherings, let us take a moment to reflect on the true essence of freedom as expressed in the Holy Scriptures. The Bible provides timeless wisdom that guides our understanding of liberty and the responsibilities that come with it.
We are reminded in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” This verse encapsulates our spiritual freedom in Christ, a freedom that surpasses all earthly liberties. As believers, our greatest independence was won on the cross, liberating us from the bondage of sin and death.
The conservative voices of our past have often echoed the sentiments of biblical freedom. Patrick Henry, a devout Christian and fervent advocate for American independence, wrote in his will: This is all the Inheritance I can give to my dear family, The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.” Henry’s declaration underscores the integral role that faith played in the founding of our nation.
In Psalm 33:12a, the Psalmist declares, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.” This blessing is not merely a promise but a conditional statement. Our nation’s prosperity and continued blessings are contingent upon our recognition of and submission to God’s authority.
As we reflect on the foundations of our nation, it is vital to remember the words of another conservative stalwart, President Ronald Reagan, who said, “If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” Reagan’s warning is not just a cautionary tale, but a call to action for us to maintain our spiritual vigilance. It is our responsibility to ensure that our freedoms are not just anchored in our faith in God, but also nurtured and protected by it.
The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:17 states, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” True liberty is found where the Spirit of the Lord resides. This Independence Day, let us invite God back into our communities and homes, praying for a revival that will sweep our nation, restoring us to a people under God’s guidance and grace.
Our founding fathers envisioned a nation where freedom and faith coexisted harmoniously. John Adams, another key figure in our nation’s birth, wrote to the Massachusetts Militia on October 11, 1798: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” Adams recognized that the sustainability of our freedoms hinges on our collective moral and spiritual integrity. As the nation declines spiritually, so will the effectiveness of our governing principles.
As we again celebrate our nation’s independence, let us not forget the source of our ultimate freedom. The Bible and the wisdom of conservative voices from our past remind us that our liberties are both a gift and a responsibility. May we stand firm in our faith, cherish our freedoms and commit to living as a people truly blessed by the Lord. My prayer: “Happy Independence Day, and may God bless America! God help us to deserve this happiness and strive for this blessing.”
Dr. Doug Stauffer is pastor of Faith Independent Baptist Church. He was saved July 6, 1980, in Niceville, while stationed at the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base and has now been in the ministry for over 35 years.
