by Rev. Gary R. Pomrenke
As we approach one of the most important holidays in our country’s history, let us look at how we can express our independence while being dependent at the same time. Many people this week will be watching fireworks and having cookouts with loved ones. Some may even be traveling to see families and friends. It is usually a day when we let down our guards and relax. This is important because being “ON” 24/7 can be exhausting. It can sap our strength and our motivation to serve the Lord if we let it. But this day … the day our forefathers declared our country’s independence from Great Britain is a day that holds great importance to the freedoms that we may sometimes take for granted.
There are many days that we “think” that we are in control. We think that we have this independence … so we run with this idea of independence. We think we are the boss. We think that this life and this independence we enjoy daily were manifested by our actions, and we are responsible for the lives that we now live. Here’s where the rub is. We enjoy this independence because of the sacrifices of those men and women who fought for this freedom that we have enjoyed our whole lives.
This freedom has another side to it. Just as we enjoy great freedom in our nation, we have been given the freedom of choice by our Father in heaven. We have the CHOICE to follow Christ. Even though we are independent in this country, we are also truly dependent on our triune God for all that we have. And we truly need to do what is so very hard for us, proud Americans … we need to humble ourselves.
1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV) speaks to just that idea. It says: “6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. [1]
We must understand that being humble doesn’t compromise our independence. Being humble and thankful for God’s blessings is what we should be doing each day. Many have sacrificed for the independence that we enjoy as Americans, but only Jesus’ sacrifice was intended for the totality of mankind. That sacrifice gives us peace. That sacrifice gives us everything that we need.
So, let’s humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord and enjoy the independence He has given us through our dependence in Christ. That will surely allow us to celebrate in the right frame of mind. Be Humble … Be Thankful … Be Dependent on the author and giver of all life. That is a freedom that can offer us all peace and can be enjoyed for eternity.
Blessings,
Rev. Gary R. Pomrenke, M.A.
New Hope Lutheran Church (LCMS)
Chesterfield, Va
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 5:6–8.