“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance.” Psalms 33:12
Celebrating 250 years of freedom in America goes well beyond fireworks and parades. It carries remembrance and pride for the sacrifices made by brave men and women who went before us. They are the ones who laid the groundwork for America’s freedom. Long before the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, the Mayflower Compact was our first governing document.
It Began with the Mayflower Compact
I am a proud descendant of the settlers who arrived by ship in 1620 to build what would eventually become the thirteen colonies. Myles Standish is my direct relative and also a signer of the Mayflower Compact.
Let’s look back to November 11, 1620, when the Mayflower Compact was created as a governing agreement for the settlers of Plymouth Colony, (in Massachusetts). Signed by all 41 adult male passengers, the document outlined that the settlers would enact laws, ordinances, and offices for the general good of the colony, creating a framework for democratic governance in the New World. God, not man alone, would shape their future.
Our First Governing Document
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, . . . Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, . . . by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony.
The document begins with God. It brings faith in God’s presence to the forefront. And it recognizes obedience to God’s word will usher in His grace. Honoring Christ was seen as very important to creating self-governance for our nation.
The Declaration of Independence
It would be 156 years, and a fierce battle (American Revolution), before the colonies boldly declared their independence from Great Britain. Samuel Adams, one of our founding fathers, and prominent signer of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, said:
“It is our duty to extend our wishes to the happiness of the great family of man… bringing on that holy and happy period when the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and all people everywhere willingly bow to the scepter of Him who is Prince of Peace” Adams envisioned a society guided by Christ’s principles.
The colonists envisioned God’s principles to be the foundation of our nation. The United States of America is a nation under God! We are a nation founded on biblical principles of liberty, self-government, and individual rights. Two hundred and fifty years later, we are the world’s longest standing constitutional republic. Will we continue to appreciate this gift of freedom? We belong to a land of liberty because others paid the price. Wars were fought and thankfully overcome. But, for many of us, our legacy reminds us of the cost of freedom.
Freedom Must be Protected
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” ―President Ronald Reagan, 40th President
Only the future will tell the whole story. Godly principles brought us this far, and only with God’s favor on this nation will we remain free. Praise the Lord. Pray for His faithfulness to continue to watch over the United States of America. Let’s continue with what our forefathers sought to establish.
We can keep this legacy alive as we live with kindness, mercy, long suffering, forgiveness, and genuine love for one another.
Don’t forget to celebrate! It’s a good thing to always remember and protect the freedom we have in this great country.
A quote from John Adams, he 2nd President of the United States, tells us to celebrate freedom. Independence Day is a big deal! “It will be celebrated with pomp and parade, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.”
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for those who’ve gone before us; those who dared to shape a country where freedom is respected. May we never forget it’s Your favor that holds us together from sea to shining sea. God Bless America is a beloved anthem. “America, America, God shed Your grace on thee.” We do pray for that grace to never depart from us, but forever be ours from sea to shining sea. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You. We give you praise, Lord. Amen
Coaches Corner:
If you are troubled, or anxious, by what’s happening in our nation and wondering why God allows bad things to happen, there is help. Talking with a Christ-centered relationship coach can move you from why to why not? The first 30-minute session is free. The first 30-minute session is free. Coach Maxine – Rebuilding Families
