One Nation Under God

We are celebrating 250 years as a nation. Some believe America is beyond redemption and that the sins of our past are evidence that America should no longer exist.

I have a different view.

Our Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Our Constitution begins, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union...” Notice the goal is to form a more perfect union, not a perfect one. Yes, America has committed sins throughout history. But we have also acknowledged many of those failures, paid a great price to correct them, and continued working to extend liberty to more people in fulfillment of the promise found in our Declaration.

Benjamin Franklin spoke these words to the Constitutional Convention as they met to draft our Constitution:

“I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?... I therefore beg leave to move, that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business.”

Throughout our history, America has faced tremendous challenges: the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, slavery, the Civil War, two World Wars, and many others. Yet through each season, our nation has endured and often emerged stronger and more committed to the cause of freedom. We are still that "city on a hill." People from around the world continue to risk everything for the opportunity to come here. That alone speaks volumes about the blessings we often take for granted.

As we celebrate 250 years, let us thank God for our country and for the many blessings He has given us. Let us also ask Him how we can help preserve our union and extend freedom to others. Political freedom is important, but even more important is the freedom found in Jesus Christ.

~ Pastor Ken Lang