Independence Day is almost here. It is the day we celebrate our nation’s independence from British rule, and the birth of our own nation. Americans are known the world round for valuing our independence. Most of us value freedom and independence not only as a national identity, but as an individual one as well. President Herbert Hoover called us a nation of “rugged individualists” an identity he hoped to see us lean further into.
Most of us would be happy to oblige. But is that sort of independence really what our nation was founded on?
The idea of being a “nation” isn’t a very individualistic idea at all. To come together as a people is to admit that there are things we share with each other, and to become a nation is to commit to sharing those things and more. To be a part of a nation is to disavow an independence that separates us from each other. The real purpose of our nation’s independence is to allow us to be united with others in a community where we believe we really belong. To call oneself a part of this greater whole is a humble and sacred confession.
God made us to live together. As Christians we believe that God is the one who has brought us together and holds us together. The Apostle Paul testified to this saying “…he (God) made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place…” Acts 17:26 The work of gathering people into a shared life is God’s work, and God’s will. But God’s purposes for this in not to elevate individual wealth or achievement. It is to draw us closer to one another and to him. That passage goes on to say “…that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us” vs.27 This is also the work of the Holy Spirit who we confess as the one who “…calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the entire Christian Church…” Small Catechism: Explanation of the 3rd Article of the Creed. God blesses people by uniting them to share an identity that is greater than our individual contribution to it. What a great gift from God.
As we celebrate Independence Day this year let us do it properly, by celebrating it together. For God has given us the freedom to live this life united to one another by common bonds that make us something greater together than what we are alone. in a community where we believe we really belong. To call oneself a part of this greater whole is a humble and sacred confession.
