This summer, we will celebrate our Nation’s 250th birthday. 250 years of building a new nation, creating a Constitution—one infused with justice, timeless principles, and biblical principles—facing and defeating the evil of slavery, weathering two world wars, being a refuge and haven to those fleeing oppression and tyranny, and becoming one of the most prosperous and free nations on the earth.
The blessings that we have experienced as a nation over 250 years are not the result of accident or chance. Looking back through the tapestry of American history reveals the unmistakable hand of God at work in the big and small events and the people who shaped our country. However, America is reaching a point where most nations either crumble or transform greatly. Currently, there is a movement in America to transform our nation to reflect the socialist and communist values of other nations. We must decide whether we will fall to these pressures or remain true to the biblical and constitutional principles that shaped and formed our nation 250 years ago. Will we overlook the war that is being waged against goodness and truth, or will we pray that God will once again raise up leaders of character and conviction who will fight back against evil?
Ronald Reagan once gave a powerful speech called “A Time for Choosing,” and much of what he said still rings true today. In a series of rhetorical questions, he essentially asked his audience if life was worth sacrificing for, “Should Christ have refused the cross? Should the patriots at Concord Bridge have thrown down their guns and refused to fire the shot heard ‘round the world?” No! He closed with these powerful words, “You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We’ll preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we’ll sentence them to take the last step into a thousand years of darkness.”
In his farewell address, George Washington touched on a similar note and commended the American people for the freedom and unity that they had fought so hard to achieve and establish. He urged them to consider the security they would have as a united nation, the peace they would experience, and the opportunities they would have to prosper. He said, “In this sense it is that your union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other.” Essentially, their love of liberty should motivate them to pursue unity. In Mark 3:24-25, Jesus says, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.”
Today, you as an American have a choice to make. Will you, out of love for liberty, pursue unity and the preservation of those principles which made us the greatest, most free nation on earth?
Will you sit back in apathy as divisive rhetoric and pure evil are taught in schools, subtly or overtly preached from pulpits, and pushed into law? Or will you stand up and say, “No more. Freedom and truth are worth fighting for, not just for myself, but for the generations who will come after me. Let it not be said that I did nothing in defense of freedom.”
Americans and patriots, let it be said that we were the generation who stood boldly for truth, pushed back against evil, and courageously lived out our convictions. Our nation is worth preserving and truth is worth defending.
In the months and days leading up to the 250th, we invite you to take some action steps to join us and thousands of others in celebrating our nation and the blessings of the country that we live in.
Celebrate the 250th!
- Rick Green has put together a 12 part action-step series for YOU! Visit https://www.patriotacademy.com/250th/ to view the full series and get involved in making a difference.
- In an initiative begun by the White House and joined by many other organizations including Wallbuilders, Americans are invited to gather with friends or family and pray for 1 hour a week. We invite you to join in prayer for our nation, government leaders, cultural renewal, protection of freedom, and families. Learn more here.
- Take some time to study more about our nation’s founding! There are so many incredible stories and inspiring men and women whose lives altered the course of American history. Here are a few topics to get you started:
- The Sons of Liberty & The Boston Tea Party
- Paul Revere’s Ride
- The Crossing of the Delaware
- The “Bulletproof” George Washington
- The Writing & Signing of the Declaration
- This year is an important election year. Although voting falls after the celebration of our 250th on July 4th, it’s the first action step to preserving and protecting our nation and our freedoms by electing men and women of character and integrity.
- Research the candidates running for county, city, state, and federal elections so you can make an informed decision when it comes time to vote.
Above all, take time in the days leading up to July 4th to reflect on the many blessings and freedoms you experience here in America.
Emma Sager is the Marketing Specialist at Patriot Academy. She graduated from Cedarville University with a degree in Communication. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, art, playing violin, and spending time outdoors and with friends.
