Celebrating Independence as Dependents

By Alice Scott-Ferguson

 Cascades of color burst into the fading light of a hot summer sky. From where I lived, I could see the firework displays all over town and on the top of Pikes Peak. The night rings out with the sounds of excited children; the air is redolent with the smell of the barbecue and in the comforting camaraderie of family and friends, we celebrate the independence and freedom that this holiday commemorates. The “Glorious Fourth” is one of my favorite holidays in a country that I have chosen as my own.

There are however, some subtle pitfalls inherent in Independence Day for the Christian. While it is without doubt commendable to be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy here in the USA, this spirit of independence works contrary to the intent God has for the lives of Christians no matter where we live. He has created us to be totally dependent upon Him as our source and confident of his ultimate intention for the universe and its occupants. Ever since our forefathers ate of that tree of the knowledge of good and evil, man’s proclivity is to act independently of God. This, coupled with the deeply ingrained awareness of inalienable rights bestowed by the Constitution of this country, causes many believers to lose sight of the true source of their supply.

This confusion contributes to the active political posturing that is so prevalent in our country. The eroding of individual rights and the decline of standards and values persuade many Christians to become very vociferously involved in trying to change the country. Although it is their prerogative to do so, their zeal often alienates the sinner from the love of the Lord—the very thing that offers hope of lasting change. This then creates deep chasms between the opposing sides and does not reflect the intention of the Father for His world.

Can the harassment and even murder of abortionists show the unconditional love of the Father? What does the burning of books bring to the picture of a God who has granted his creation the awesome attribute of choice? Is the disapproval of homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle or the non-acceptance of single parent families as equal to the norm, out of concern for the participants or out of fear that they threaten the Christian comfort zone?

Such attitudes and activities misinterpret the mandate given to us by God. The mandate is not to change the system though it is corrupt; not to impose morality albeit the mores are murky, but to bring a message of reconciliation from God to man that says, “Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (The Message). This has been done through the death of Christ. That death was ours also—death to our penchant to operate independently of God.

The viewpoint and the life of the Christian will always run in opposition to the world culture and produce persecution: We are to rejoice in that, not get riled up. The world system, the province of the Prince of darkness, is right on track and it should not be a surprise to us that it is getting worse. In the beginning of the third chapter of 2 Timothy we read that, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.”

We cannot establish the Kingdom here on earth without the presence of the King. However, He is returning to reclaim the earth for which he has paid the ultimate price. Until that day we can safely retreat to, and rest in, the Kingdom that resides within us where no government can intrude or sin disturb. Out of that place occupied by the Spirit of Christ will flow compassion rather than confrontation, peace in place of polarization and a desire to be servants of society not its police force. The only ground we are to be concerned with gaining here is the territory that houses the hearts of people who need to know that true freedom is in Christ.

So, as we celebrate this Independence Day, let us consider how we live in this land of the free as those totally dependent on the King of another Kingdom. This is where we really belong and, given the current state of the world, the country to which we will soon be heading. Look up, for your Redemption draws near! Even so come quickly, Lord Jesus.