This July 4^th we celebrate our nation’s landmark 250^th anniversary.  Whether America reaches its next major milestone won’t be about a Declaration of Independence, but of dependence.   The British, Spanish, Roman, Persian, and Babylonian empires all followed an eerily similar pattern, averaging a lifespan of roughly 250 years.  Civilizations throughout history go through phases of pioneering, conquests, commerce, affluence, intellect, decadence, decline, and collapse.  In the U.S.A.’s ripe old age, it’s not difficult to guess our current phase in that lifecycle.

America’s success and survival are attributable to governance and a culture heavily reliant on Jesus.  However, we’ve gradually exerted independence from Him over the last 50 years of our first quarter-millennium.  One nation once under God has pledged allegiance to what it now considers a higher power – self.  Society at large no longer subjects itself to the Lord’s will, preferring to live according to “my truth” and be “my authentic self” – our new Declaration of Independence.  The only hope before America’s final stages of decline and collapse is to renew our Vows of Dependence – “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Ironically, humility is the path to peace, purpose, and prosperity.  The call to dependence this July 4^th (and thereafter) applies not only to non-believers, but to Christians and churches as well.  Continued independence might make us feel free and powerful for now but ultimately ends with America suffering the same fate as all other “great” empires.

1. Freedom vs. Captivity

Individuals

Trusting in our own goodness rather than God’s doesn’t make us free.  A child of loving parents may feel liberated by rejecting their authority but misses out on the riches of that relationship.  Rebellion and immaturity blind the child to the reality that independence is an illusion.  Shifting loyalties from our Father (who has our best interests at heart) to a world with impure motives (power, money, and influence) enslaves us to sin.  Christians and non-Christians alike are swayed by the whims of culture dictated by politicians, professors, and promoters who gladly offer alternatives to God, touting the “goodness” of their programs, philosophies, and products.

Churches

Church leaders concerned about attraction and retention of attenders are captive to misplaced expectations.  Since “church” is defined as its people (ekklesia), expectations should rest squarely on churchgoers to perform its core functions (discipleship, evangelism, and compassion) all week long.  The leverage created by training and equipping church members for those tasks would alleviate pastoral burnout and transform our neighborhoods and workplaces.

2. Unity vs. Isolation

Individuals

The foundational biblical underpinning of a society is the family.  While it remains in place, so do the values underlying that structure.  Coordinated campaigns are pressuring youth in America to outgrow the “traditional”, outdated faith of their parents.  Redefining marriage, gender, fatherhood, masculinity, roles, and preborn viability all work in the same direction – away from the Lord’s intent for unity among dads, moms, and their children.  Destroying God’s design for the family divides by redirecting dependency, creating “Fatherless” orphans.

Churches

The consummate measure of a healthy church is its relational connection to the Lord and other congregations.  We can only accomplish God’s mission for our community when we partner with other churches, ministries, and marketplace leaders.  Unity is Jesus’ desire for His Church, but we see division across denominations and in the increasing divergence, particularly since COVID, between the church “haves” (large and growing) and “have nots” (small and struggling).

3. Direction vs. Lost

Individuals

Influencers and activists are working hard to institute a new vernacular altering definitions of biblical terms like love, truth, tolerance, justice, self, and pride to fit a secular narrative.  To silence dissenters who dare espouse values conflicting with their terminology, they weaponize those words to accuse Christians of intolerance, injustice, and hatred.  With Christianity pushed to the fringe of “decent” society, Americans feel more at liberty to assert independence from the Lord and our nation’s Christ-centered heritage.  However, since we were created by God for God, our search for identity apart from Him (in our sexuality, politics, or careers) doesn’t work.

Churches

Paul adapted to culture but wasn’t influenced by it.  Attempting to make Christianity relevant by emphasizing what God does for us in this life builds congregations but not disciples.  With God, all things are possible but not all things are permissible.  The Bible speaks of a time when consciences will become cauterized and no longer tolerate sound teaching – aka, independent.

4. Holy Spirit vs. Strategy

Individuals

Independence is not allowing anyone to tell us who we are or what we should do.  Charting our own course satisfies mankind’s desire for control, but our Father knows the future and offers the Holy Spirit as a guide toward the best course of action.  Selfism is America’s fastest growing religion because Christianity alternatively surrenders control of our lives and fate to Jesus.  Our wisdom and strength can’t overcome our ignorance and insecurities.  We should depend on the Holy Spirit, not strategies, for victory when facing seemingly insurmountable odds.

Churches

When pastors exhibit faith, members will follow suit.  If church leaders aren’t bought in to God’s providence and plans, why should they be?  If church growth models promoted by consultants and conferences “succeed”, carefully choreographing services and enabling consumerism, it becomes evident there’s little need for reliance on (or room for) the Holy Spirit.

5. Gratitude vs. Grumbling

Individuals

Dig deep into the psyche of most (professed) atheists and you’ll discover that the beginning of doubt or disbelief was unanswered prayers.  A child wonders why God did or didn’t do something they wanted.  So the starting point for disbelief isn’t whether God exists but whether God is good.  When belief meets with personal disappointment, it triggers a battle of wills – God’s versus ours.  As in the Garden of Eden, questioning God’s goodness brings awareness of the potential for the free exercise of personal preferences.  Pride and anger, the opposites of humility and gratitude, fuel most declarations of independence from God.

Churches

Simple blessings escape the notice of the self-centered and self-sufficient.  Challenges draw us closer to the Lord and His discipline refines our character – or they can breed resentment depending on the level of dependence modeled by pastors.  How Christians deal with adversity, in contrast with how non-believers handle it, largely determines America’s view of God.

6. Engage vs. Withdraw

Individuals

Christians can choose to accommodate, tolerate, conform, withdraw, or engage culture.  Our choice among those options hinges on the depth of our trust in the Father – either abiding and secure in Him or worried about getting too close to non-believers (for fear of succumbing or contamination).  We’re called to be in the world but not of the world – not detached or susceptible but actively engaged in loving and serving.  Those independent from Christ are closely watching those dependent on Him, seeing if we’re as generous and compassionate as we claim Jesus is.

Churches

The Church’s transition away from the historical role it played on the front lines of the wars against hunger, homelessness, and child neglect could be behind its decline in attendance, influence, impact, and perception.  Distance begets more distance – and eventually, mistrust.

7. God’s Love vs. World’s Affection

Individuals

The Father’s love is unconditional, providing a cure for sin and hopelessness through Christ.  However, those who see no need for forgiveness don’t recognize the value of God’s grace.  Resolute in their independence, the mere mention of Jesus elicits a visceral reaction for deep-seated reasons (e.g. disappointment, guilt).  A Vow of Dependence puts us in harm’s way, but we can mitigate the risk of backlash by preceding words with actions.  Jesus demonstrated His love before telling people who He is (the Gospel).  Prayer, Care, and Share are sequential.

Churches

“Christians” who look very little like Jesus are typically products of churches cautious in confronting sin internally and reluctant to engage externally in ways that reflect His image.

It’s Your Turn

How deep of a relationship is required to uncover the real motive behind someone’s declaration of independence from God?  On the eve of our nation’s 250^th anniversary, are Christians being prepared well enough by pastors in America to understand and address the reasons why our culture is choosing disbelief over dependence?