Fourth of July 1776—this is an important day not only for us as Americans.  It is an important date for all the world.  The Declaration of Independence signed that day is a document that has affected all the world.  The idea of democracy, whether in a republican or parliamentary or some other form, has had a profound impact on the formation of governments throughout the world.

Rooted in the Greek city-states and the philosophy of the social contract, democratic ideals continue to challenge despots and dictators.  Democracy has become such an important idea, that even governments that are not in the least “democratic” will hide behind the title.  Thus, East Germany called itself The German Democratic Republic. 
As Christians, we cannot miss the connection between the ideas expressed in The Declaration and our own faith, however much people might try to disassociate the them.

This week, as we celebrate Independence Day, let us do more than celebrate our worldly power and success as a nation.  Let us humbly pray that we might look to our faith to keep alive the hopes and dreams encapsulated in that document signed 242 years ago.  Let us continue to pray that we might be good citizens, by expressing our convictions about human dignity and care for one another.  And let us continue to pray that God will indeed bless America, especially in its Spirit.