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Happy Secession Day!

By Scott Tibbs, July 4, 2006

Two hundred and thirty years ago today, thirteen British colonies in North America seceded from the British Empire. England did not agree with this secession, and attempted to keep the colonies in the empire by force. Eventually, the colonists won what is now known as the Revolutionary War. Who knows what the world would be like had brave men now pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to a decision to secede from England?

As Christians living in a pagan world, it is easy to get caught up in just trying to keep our heads above water in this society. There is a lot wrong with this country and this world, but the Fourth of July provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the blessings we have in this great land of ours.

We live in a land of great economic opportunity and significant wealth. For the most part, we have a great deal of freedom in how we live our lives. Of special importance to Christians is the religious liberty we enjoy under the First Amendment. Millions of believers all over the world would love to be able to worship Jesus Christ without fear of the government imprisoning, torturing or killing them. While American Christians are not immune from being persecuted for our beliefs, God has spared us the worst of it.

But the blessings Christians enjoy by living in the United States also increase our obligation to God. The Bible tells us in Luke 12:48 that "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." How many Christians take advantage of our privileges in America to spread the Gospel? How many of us give financially to the church as we ought? I suspect that most American Christians fail mightily in this regard. I know I have not been the servant that God would have me to be.

Let this Fourth of July be a reminder of our blessings and our debt to Jesus Christ.