By Dean Kelly

It is amazing when you enter the terminal following an international flight and head for customs. There is usually a sign that says something like “American Citizens this way”. What a joy it brings to be back home. 

July 4th is this coming Friday. It is a time to celebrate the greatness of this country and the wonderful freedoms we enjoy. There will be some who will be speaking against and tearing down this country in the next few days. The irony is that they have the right to state those opinions based on the freedoms that they are attacking.  Is America perfect? Of course not! It is made up of imperfect humans. Do Americans enjoy great freedoms? Of course they do!

I do not apologize for celebrating this country and the many blessings that God has allowed us to enjoy in it. I do realize, however, that America’s survival as a nation does not ultimately rest on the shoulders of the politicians, or the strength of her military.  We hope and pray for politicians who are more concerned about the good of this country than their own personal gain. We believe that a strong military is an important part of protecting our rights. But the true hope for the future is that this country is having citizens that live righteously. The wise man Solomon said this in Proverbs 14, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverb 14:34). The wicked city of Sodom could have been saved if there had only been 10 righteous people in it (Genesis 18:32). Those who live by Christian principles may be mocked, maligned, ridiculed, and vilified, but they are the true hope for this nation!

As we celebrate the freedom of this country this week, let’s set our sights on the greatest freedom there is: freedom from the burden and consequences of sin. That freedom is for every person everywhere who will take advantage of the gift of Jesus on the cross. Let us enjoy the freedom we will find if we meet Jesus at the cross.

I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July!

Dean Kelly is minister at Highland Home Church of Christ.