When we look at the great heroes of our country this July 4th, we think of men and women who selflessly gave their lives, their fortunes, all they were to an ideal: a land where their children could liveand worship God free of tyranny and abuse. Who were these admirable people? How did they see their lives that they were willing to live and die for a cause?
The famous last words of Nathan Hale, an American spy of the Revolutionary War was: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Men and women are willing to put their lives on the line for their country even today. A more recent war hero, Sergeant William Stacey, was honored by Marine General Allen:
"My death did not change the world; it may be tough for you to justify its meaning at all," Allen wrote. "But there is a greater meaning to it. Perhaps I did not change the world. Perhaps there is still injustice in the world. But there will be a child who will live because men left the security they enjoyed in their home country to come to his. If my life buys the safety of a child who will one day change this world, then I know that it was all worth it. "Semper Fidelis" means always faithful. Always faithful to God, Country and Corps. Always faithful to the principles and beliefs that guided me into the service. And on that day in October when I placed my hand on a bible and swore to defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic, I meant it."
Our great American heroes believed in their duty to do the right thing, to accomplish the greater goal. Biblical heroes did the same thing. We read about the stands of believers throughout history.
Hebrews 11:32 - 37 32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and [of] Barak, and [of] Samson, and [of] Jephthae; [of] David also, and Samuel, and [of] the prophets: 33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36And others had trial of [cruel] mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
So, this Independence Day, what does all that have to do with us? Even in the modern era, Christians have struggled to stand against great adversity and some have even been martyred. We read of Christians in the Middle East and Communist China, for example, who died for their faith.
What about you? Are you willing to put your life on the line for God that our children may enjoy the liberty of a life in Christ and be free of the slavery of Satan?
What does it take to maintain the spiritual independence we enjoy? We do not feel our lives in danger to stand for God, but do we still feel the sense of duty? To keep our country truly free, it is imperative that we take a stand for God. Perhaps, in the final analysis, it is easier to die for a cause than it is to live for one. Dying for a cause is a "once and done" decision, but living for a cause demands daily decisions and faithfulness. Perhaps you don't see your stand this dramatically, but your accountability to God is critical and important if our country is to remain free. You are important and you do have something to offer. Remember the parable of the talents!
Matthew 25:14-30 14For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.15And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made [them] other five talents. 17And likewise he that [had received] two, he also gained other two. 18But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 32After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, [there] thou hast [that is] thine. 26His lord answered and said unto him, [Thou] wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and [then] at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28Take therefore the talent from him, and give [it] unto him which hath ten talents. 29For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Just like the great heroes, we need to believe in our duty to do the right thing to accomplish God's greater goal. We are accountable to God for our lives. We have been given much, we need to use what we have been given and stand for God.
Many people seem to feel that to be independent—to be truly free—that they should be able to do whatever they want whenever they want. This type of spiritual debauchery, however, leads to enslavement. Often, what men call liberation, God calls disobedience.
NIV Ephesians 2:1-3 1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 2All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
Man often believes that he is right and God is wrong.
Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
We need to pledge allegiance to almighty God. We need to do the words and works he asks us to do. This is the true freedom men seek. Jesus spoke about this.
John 8:31-32 31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed; 32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
True freedom is in disciplining our lives to do the Word. Jesus promised that the things we need to do are not burdensome and oppressive as some would lead you to believe.
Matthew 11:28-30 28Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.
So live for God's cause and should you ever need to die for it, the great hope waits for you after your last breath. What have you got to lose? You've got all eternity to enjoy the rewards for the duty you do each day. God Bless You.