Drop One Hundred

Galatians 5:13

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (NASB1995).

The Declaration of Independence

“In Congress, July 4, 1776, The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America… 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. –” is near the beginning as shared by the World Book Encyclopedia Volume 5 (1968). Within the declaration, the circumstances that led to the drafting of and presentation of the Declaration of Independence are shared. The same book also shares the end of the Declaration of Independence - “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of the divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor”. While this and, I dare say, every nation has struggled with acknowledging that “all men are created equal” truly means “all members of mankind are created equal” there is hope. As we grill burgers, brats, hot dogs and enjoy the traditions of the holiday, may we truly “through love serve one another” as we have been called to do.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the freedom we have opportunity to enjoy this side of Heaven. Forgive us for any time we have taken freedom for granted. As we celebrate the birth of our nation 249 years ago, may we truly be grateful and united through your love.

In the Name of Jesus we pray,

AMEN