For Americans, July 4th holds great significance. For children, it is a day of excitement as parades and fireworks take center stage. For family and friends, it is often a time to enjoy one another’s company on a summer evening where grilled meat and pleasant conversation fill the time. For historians, it is a time that focuses on colonists who said goodbye to the motherland and fought a revolution for independence. It is a day of philosophy, thought, and fun all related to American citizenship.
Americans have much to be thankful for on this fourth of July. Though politics permeates this presidential election year, the nation remains a place of prosperity and opportunity. It also remains the envy of nations both past and present with the enshrined right to speak freely. Borne out of oppression, the 1st Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech was a gift from a past generation who knew its precious value. As pernicious influences seek to diminish this right, may every American cling to it more firmly, and may every child of God pray that this freedom continues and that it can be used to the glory of God.
How can Christians use this great blessing to God’s glory? As Jesus prepared for His ascent to Heaven, He gathered His ambassadors and gave them the following command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20a). While this command was not specifically given to Christians of the 21st century, the principle certainly applies. If one loves neighbor as self, then surely the desire to see him or her come to Christ will encourage “going into all the world” even if “the world” is next door. Every citizen of the kingdom of God should consider the ramifications and responsibilities of earthly citizenship in a nation that allows one to speak freely. While plenty can often produce apathy, those interested in the eternal fate of others should seize this God-given blessing and use it to its fullest extent. As the reader ponders this thought, likely several names come to mind of those who need to know about Jesus. May this day of celebrating freedom encourage a conversation about freedom in Jesus Christ.
Christians can also use this great gift for encouraging one another. Events in life can often create troubled thoughts, anxieties, and depression. Whether these challenges result from upended family relationships, conflict with brethren in Christ, or uncertainty resulting from current events, these feelings are real. This means that God’s people are in strong need of encouragement. Such challenges are not new to the family of God. New Testament writers took several occasions to remind Christians of the 1st century to build up their brethren. Consider just a few of these admonitions: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (I Thessalonians 5:11); “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29); “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up” (Romans 15:2). May each child of God seriously consider the opportunities at hand and use them to help others who may be struggling.
Finally, it should also be remembered that freedom of speech allows one to keep words private. In this regard, there is great honor in discretion. In Solomon’s fatherly speeches, he advised, “My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge” (Proverbs 5:1-2). Times remain tense and opinion strong concerning a host of issues. Rather than arguing over the transient, relationships will be bolstered by a focus on commonalities of faith rather than differences of opinion. Guarded lips can preserve friendship and prevent fractures among the faithful.
While our citizenship is in the kingdom of God, may each American Christian follow the example of the Apostle Paul who used his Roman citizenship to promote heavenly ideals. An old-line admonishes, “With great blessing comes great responsibility.” May the blessings of American freedom of speech be used to bring others into kingdom citizenship, promote harmony among the people of God, and quietly forgo conversations that produce division. On this approaching holiday, thank God for what He has given and then demonstrate your appreciation by using this freedom to His glory.
