Check That Foundation!

If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? —Psalm 11:3

Before a builder builds a house, he pours a foundation. If the foundation is not solid, the house has problems. Sometimes, a foundation is firm to begin with, but, through the years, things happen. Water can seep in, causing cracks. A too dry climate may cause shifting. Earthquakes certainly affect a foundation. Sometimes, the damage is so gradual, it isn’t noticed until walls crack or floorboards buckle.

This is the birthday of the United States of America, founded 247 years ago by people who put freedom ahead of safety, wealth, or personal ambition. Our Founding Fathers drafted The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, thinking ahead to the future and generations that would follow them. Nearly half of the fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence held seminary or Bible school degrees. This country was founded upon biblical principles. This was our foundation.

“How Firm a Foundation” goes an old hymn. Yes, our foundation is firm but unless we are vigilant, it will not remain so.  Sad to say, prayer is now banned in our public schools and any mention of God in government is frowned upon. We are told to be tolerant and accepting, always cautious that we do not offend anyone. As I see it, this applies to Christians but not so much to other religions or non-religions. Sometimes only a few dictate to many. Is this Democracy? Should this be true in a Republic such as ours? Many times, our Constitution is ignored or perverted or interpreted in whatever way seems convenient at the moment.  And, if we dare to put God’s laws above man-made laws, we are threatened. What is happening to our foundation?

This Independence Day as we watch fireworks displays, let’s give a little thought to where we came from and where we are going. Our nation rests upon the foundation of The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. These amazing documents were based on biblical principles.

Last verse of The Star Spangled Banner

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation.
Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust.’
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!