As a veteran and a proud American who holds our heritage, our flag, and our freedoms in high regard, I salute the flag and I stand at attention to honor our national anthem. But today, on the eve of celebrating our national independence, there is a part of me that needs to voice my declaration of dependence.
Part of our American heritage is the faith perspectives of our founding fathers. While I am not a historian, it is my understanding that many of our founding fathers were faithful believers in Jesus Christ who endeavored to live by biblical principles. Considering their faith, we might also consider that they too would voice their declaration of dependence.
Peter told us that we had been given all that we need for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). What I have been given for life, abundant life (Jn. 10:10), and godliness is the abiding life of Christ (Jn. 15:4). The abiding life of Christ: is my basis of trust that can prevent a troubled heart (Jn. 14:1), is my internal pattern for living (Jn. 14:6), is His spiritual presence who reminds me and teaches me (Jn. 14:26), is the author of my fruitfulness (Jn. 15:5), is the originator of the completeness of my joy (Jn. 15:11; 16:22, 24), is my guidance into truth (Jn. 16:13), is my peace in the midst of a troubled world (Jn. 16:33), is my internal abiding equipper for overcoming (Jn.16:33). Today, on the eve of celebrating our national Declaration of Independence, I declare my declaration of dependence. Won’t you join me today in making your declaration of dependence, a dependence upon Jesus Christ? And further, won’t you join me in praying as Jesus did that we may be one (Jn. 17:21); one in unity, and one in our beliefs upon him as the abiding presence that is the basis of our declaration of dependence?
