When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe
and glorified God who had given such authority to men.
On July 4 Americans celebrate our liberty, which is variously named independence and freedom. Of the three most important principles of the Enlightenment -- freedom, equality, and fraternity -- we cherish freedom the most. Even at the expense of the others.
We remember with a kind of amazement that we don't have to honor the world as it is; it can be altered to fit our understanding. When human society seemed predetermined and preformed by the institutions of royalty with its kings, queens, and aristocrats, the Founding Fathers decided we should democratically choose our own leaders. They might not be well-born, wealthy, cultured, or educated if we so choose.
Indeed we are "struck with awe" that God has "given such authority to men" -- and women.
With awesome freedom come enormous responsibility for there is no freedom without consequences, and no action without reactions. Even a single word may echo through the next many centuries.
Unfortunately, "consequences" was not listed among the three principles of the Enlightenment. Charles Dickens described in A Tale of Two Cities the consequences of irresponsible freedom. His well-documented novel detailed the horror of the Reign of Terror that swept through France and guillotined thousands of men and women.
The ambition, greed and avarice of European victors after World War I, despite President Wilson's pleading, led inevitably to a catastrophic second world war. The slaughter of millions taught them nothing about their attempts to rule the world from Europe. Only in Nazism did they see their dystopian dream realized.
Unfortunately that nightmare has not yet disappeared, as nationalism and racism again sweep through the "white nations" of Europe, America, Australia, and New Zealand. The killing has resumed, although it is yet on a smaller scale.
If we are struck with awe at the authority God has given to us, we must also be overwhelmed with a profound, mind-numbing sense of responsibility. What we say and do, even in the privacy of our bedrooms, even as we joke among friends, matters far beyond our control.
As we celebrate Independence Day we dare not forget Judgement. We do it among ourselves continually, and often to our shame, because we know that Judgement belongs to God. And every act will be judged, every word will be weighed, by consequences beyond our comprehension.
We must daily ask God to send his Spirit of Freedom to guide us in the careful selection of our thoughts, attitudes, words, and deeds. For without God's guiding wisdom, freedom is hell.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.