By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org
On Sunday, July 4, Americans will celebrate Independence Day.
Thanks to our forefathers, who fought for our freedoms and won independence from Great Britain, Americans today still enjoy freedoms that are not found in many other countries. We can worship in the church of our choice (at least for now). We enjoy freedom of speech and we also have the freedom of the press, the right to assemble and the right to petition the government.
I can’t help but wonder how many Americans will take the time on July 4 to think about our heritage and give thanks to God for allowing us to live in probably the most free country in the world.
Most Americans will be focusing on the “fun” aspects of the day — boating/fishing, camping, picnics, cookouts, fireworks and more. While that is well and good, we must not forget the sacrifices made by thousands upon thousands of people who have served in our armed services over the years to make sure we can still enjoy the freedoms we have.
Lonnie Wilkey
Never take our freedom for granted. Just recently, Baptist Press reported that Jack Phillips, a cake artist in Colorado, lost his latest attempt in court to defend his freedom to conduct his business based on his Christian beliefs and convictions. In addition, Religious News Service reported that the state of Mississippi is being sued by atheist groups over its “In God We Trust” license plate.
These are real cases currently in our courts across the United States today and they are among many more cases involving religious freedom.
Americans must be diligent or we may one day lose these freedoms we hold so dearly. Never take them for granted. As you celebrate Independence Day on July 4, thank God for the freedoms He have given us. B&R
