Independence Day

In 1776 America told England, "We don't need you."

There's another side to to independence we don't often think about, although it is obvious. When we say we don't need you, that also means you are no longer obligated to us.

This is the day we celebrate the independence of our country. But there is another independence that many of us have taken for ourselves, without our considering the other side--the "I'm no longer obligated to you" side.

We have declared our independence from God and His right to say what is right and what is wrong. Instead of walking with God, we have decided we have a better way based on our own wisdom. What's the result?

Child Abuse
Pollution
Gang Violence
Drugs
Crime
Divorce

We look at everything that is wrong in the world and we cry out, "God! Why don't you do something? God where are you?"

And when He doesn't respond we say, "I can't believe in a God who allows so much suffering and evil in the world."

But we're forgetting that we have declared our independence from God--and that includes both sides.

In the Bible we read how God blesses nations who obey Him., and He withdraws His blessings from those who do not. When a nation is blessed by God, they prosper. When God's blessings are withdrawn, a nation withers, falls deeper into imorality and eventually dies.

America has been greatly blessed by God. But, is that the case today? Or are we declaring our independence from God?