Daily Focus - More Than a Celebration

"Freedom is never free." - Author Unknown

Memorizing historical documents was an important part of our homeschooling history lessons. Unfortunately, my children were less than enthusiastic about this particular assignment. Often, they would forget the value of the words they recited and either speak as quickly as possible or in slow, monotone voices. One day, as my son recited the beginning of the Declaration of Independence at the speed of light, I stopped him in mid-sentence and asked, "Have you ever considered the price that was paid when those men signed the words you're now reciting?"

"No, not really," he answered nonchalantly.

"Well, maybe we should stop here and do a little study to find out," I replied. As we sidetracked our original lesson plans, my son discovered an amazing fact. When each of the 56 men signed their name to the declaration on July 4, 1776, they did indeed pledge their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. King George III and Great Britain pursued each name on the document with a vengeance and were determined to eradicate this rebellious group of colonists who declared, "No king but King Jesus!"

"Wow, Mom! I never knew they gave up so much just so we could be free!" exclaimed my son. "I guess the Fourth of July is more than just fireworks and hotdogs."

As Christians, we also take for granted the privileges we enjoy in Christ. The Bible tells us that God did not spare His Son, but He delivered Him up for us all (Romans 8:32a). Through the shedding of Christ's blood (Hebrews 9:22), we are able to defeat Satan and sin. Do you value the price that was paid for your salvation, as well as your country? Let this Fourth of July be a double blessing in your life, as you consider not only the privilege of being an American, but also the privilege of being called a child of the King. "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Lord, thank You for giving me the opportunity to live in a country that was founded by godly men who loved You. Teach me to value their sacrifice and continue proclaiming Your great name to all generations. In Jesus' name, Amen.