Faith & Freedom
6 July 2022
July 4 is a big day!
It’s date of my first smooch with LuAnne! 35 years ago. I’m glad we’re still smooching.
Additionally, of course, July 4 marks the birth of our wonderful country and a key launch of a democratic dream and experiment that would change the world. Definitely worthy of a few fireworks.
A few days ago, on June 27, I hustled home from our church council meeting and watched the youtube recording of my nephew, Jack Drabensott, take his oath as a new cadet at Westpoint. We’re proud that Jack joins many of you in taking his turn to serve our country’s people, constitution, and the best of its values.
Upon every holiday, we’re challenged not just to picnic, but to spend a few moments reflecting deeply on the occasion and value at hand. So, I re-read last week the Declaration of Independence. Wow.
Let me share two lines that struck me from a faith perspective:
The first quote you know well: “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.”
Secondly, in the concluding paragraph, “ we . . appeal to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions.”
Let me now offer two follow-up questions for your consideration. I know most of your July 4 picnics are over. But in case you have a few bratwursts or hamburgers left over, chew on these discussion topics for a few minutes, along with your food.
- How does the “pursuit of happiness” work? Do we each just do our best and stay out of each other’s way? Do we work together to explore how we spread as much happiness as possible? What’s realistic?
- Do we, like our founders, “appeal to the Supreme Judge for the rectitude (morally correct behavior or thinking) of our intentions?” We say in the Apostles Creed that Jesus will come to judge the living and the dead. We read throughout Scripture that God alone is judge. But to what extent do we, as our founders pledged, ask God to judge the value of our daily decisions?
So, upon this week of July 4 celebrations,
May God bless you in your reflections,
May you keep our military personnel, like my nephew Jack, and all who play roles in keeping our country healthy, in your prayers, and
May you be given someone to smooch . . . or with whom you may enjoy your life, your liberty, and your pursuit of happiness.
In Christ’s freedom and liberty with you,
Pastor Fritz