God and Freedom
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READ: Psalm 100
Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people. —Psalm 100:3
When members of the US Second Continental Congress approved the remarkable document known as the Declaration of Independence, they plainly declared their belief in God. The drafters of this noble proclamation knew that the sweeping freedoms they were proposing could work well only in a society where the Creator is acknowledged. They affirmed that God has “endowed” all people with the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” because He values each of us.
Thomas Jefferson, who would become the third president of the new nation, was distressed by the sin he saw. He wrote, “I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.” If he trembled then, he would have a violent seizure now!
The founding fathers of the US loved the concept of individual freedom, but they did not have in mind a permissive lifestyle that allows us to do anything we please. True freedom can never be enjoyed by people who refuse to fear God.
The psalmist said, “Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves” (Psalm 100:3). We are responsible to God, because He has created us in love.
Today, recommit yourself to living as one of God’s people. That’s the way to enjoy true freedom.
Every blessing in our nation
Is a gift from God above,
But we cannot know true freedom
Till we trust His grace and love. —Hess
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. —Psalm 33:12
