Weekly Devotional: The Importance of Independence Day

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)

What comes to your mind when you think of Independence Day?

For many Americans, the Fourth of July serves as a day to watch fireworks, barbeque and have a good time with friends and family. While there is nothing wrong with having these traditions, it is important to remember the reason behind why we celebrate this holiday.

Samuel Adams, the father of the American Revolution, was bold in proclaiming his faith. To him, signing the Declaration of Independence meant no longer submitting to Great Britain, but rather, submitting to the Lord (Crowe, 2008). As a result, America would be free from the power of man and able to serve Christ. What a significant day in history!

It is important to remember what our duties are as Christians. We are called to serve Christ and Christ alone, and it is such a blessing that we can live in a country where we have the freedom to do so.

Oftentimes, the enemy will use distractions to keep us from fulfilling our duties as Christians. Being distracted by all that happens on the Fourth of July can cause us to lose sight of the true meaning of the holiday. This is dangerous, as it can ultimately cause us to stray away from Christ.

So, why is it important to acknowledge the significance of Independence Day, and how can we do so in today’s world?

American liberty is a blessing from God. Because of our freedom, we can express our faith and boldly share it with others. It is important to recognize that in many other parts of the world, this is not the case. The cost of following Christ is much greater for our brothers and sisters across the globe.

With this in mind, I encourage you to not lose sight of why we celebrate Independence Day. Take time to reflect on the ways God has blessed you in your life, and make it a goal to not take the freedom we have for granted. As you spend this day with family and friends, I encourage you to celebrate the blessing of freedom that was given to us by Christ.

Grand Canyon University equips students with the skills, knowledge and values-based foundation to carry out GCU’s mission. To learn more about GCU’s Christian identity and heritage, visit our website or contact us using the Request More Information button at the top of the page.

Reference:

• Crowe, D. (2008). Instilling the meaning of Independence Day. Retrieved from crosswalk.com/family/homeschool/instilling-the-meaning-of-independence-day-11578403.html