by J. Randal Matheny

Americans today celebrate 227 years of political freedom. One organization which measures freedom in countries around the world claims that more people enjoy greater liberties today than at any other time in history, in part because of Americans' efforts at home and abroad.

Every nation which enjoys some degree of freedom does well to commemorate and remember the responsibilities of citizenship.

Though Americans celebrate July 4th in a unique way, the moment serves to remind us all, regardless of nationality,

(1) That Christian values make good government. As Patrick Henry said, "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!" The old saw is still true that "America is great because America is good." Remove the goodness, and the greatness will tumble. This is true, not only of the USA, but of any country that would adopt Christian principles.

(2) That Christians make good citizens. Social and economic progress and political stability are served by the qualities of honesty, thrift, hard work, and integrity. Christians also understand true justice. As an example, slavery in England and the USA was abolished because of people who insisted upon the Christian truth that all people are created equal.

(3) That Christian faith thrives in any social or political climate. One does not need democracy, as we know it, to live in Christ nor to preach the gospel. As thankful as we may be for the democratic process, the Way was born under foreign domination and spread throughout an Empire, under diverse and often harsh conditions.

(4) That Christian freedom in the Lord Jesus Christ is eternal. Nations rise and fall, freedoms wax and wane, political systems come into vogue and disappear, but "[i]t was for freedom that Christ set us free" (Gal. 5:1 NASU). The phrase "for freedom," according to Kenneth Boles, "emphasizes the permanency of the new status" and, as J.W. McGarvey notes, indicates "the very design that we should cherish and enjoy our freedom."*

Indeed, in Christ we are set from sin and its consequences to enjoy the wonderful, full, and lasting liberty of relationship with God. Such freedom is a daily celebration and causes constant gratitude.

*Kenneth L. Boles, Galatians & Ephesians, The College Press NIV Commentary, p. 123; J. W. McGarvey and Philip Y. Pendleton, Thessalonians, Corinthians, Galatians and Romans, p. 279.

by Tim Hall

Driving to my destination, I cross the county line. The county I have just entered has no ordinances prohibiting the sale of fireworks. Every mile or so a tent had been erected to take advantage of the few days on which fireworks can be legally sold.

It has been many years since I've visited such a stand, but I hear that demand for pyrotechnics runs high during this patriotic time of the year. I don't know what current prices are, but I imagine most of the fireworks are not cheap. Adding to my reluctance to shop is the short duration of the pleasure; in just a few moments, all the enjoyment has gone up in smoke.

As I drive past the tents stocked with Roman candles and bottle rockets, I wonder how much I could buy for $9, and how long the show would last. I chose that $9 figure for a reason; in the back of my car is a 50 pound bag of rice I purchased for that amount. The rice will be given to a family of refugees who have just come from a strife-torn country in Africa. The family, thankful to be in a safer place, will struggle for awhile. But that much rice will help feed them for several days.

There is nothing inherently sinful about spending one's money on fireworks. But sometimes I wonder what such purchases say about the way we view our possessions and our stewardship. "It's my money! I'll spend it however I wish." Do such statements come from hearts touched by God's grace? Is there compassion for the needs of others behind declarations like that?

James speaks clearly about the use of our possessions: "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:14-17, New King James Version). John makes the same point: "But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (1 John 3:17)

How does the love of God abide in me?

God has not commanded us to strip all pleasure from our lives. There's no inherent sin when we stop at the local fireworks stand to make a purchase. What we must ask, however, is this: Is this our usual pattern of stewardship? Do we also seek to imitate the Lord in using our blessings to bless those around us who are in greater need?

Just after dark on July 4th, I plan to be outside watching the city's fireworks display from my front yard. Like others around me, I'll be going "Oooh" and "Ahhh". But deeper down in my heart, I'll be savoring a more enjoyable sensation: the good feeling that comes when I pass along a little bit of the rich grace that God has shed upon me. That's the "bang" I'll enjoy most (and longest)!