The July 4th holiday is for most of us a joyous occasion celebrating the birthday of this great nation. A day off work to enjoy family, friends, barbecue, fireworks and festivities lifts our spirits and should remind us “I’m Proud to be an American” as the patriotic ballad proclaims.
But then it’s back to work. Back to routine, schedules, stress, demands of life and exposure to the almost nonstop barrage of negativity coming at us in today’s world. Let’s be honest, it’s often downright discouraging and even overwhelming at times.
Without suggesting escapism, might it do us some good if this week we lingered a bit in the good of what this nation represents and has accomplished in the global scheme of things?
What might happen to our families and us if multitudes simply pushed the pause button on the avalanche of depressing news and instead focused awhile on our rich heritage and the incredible achievements that have blessed us and benefited billions around the world?
In the book, The 5000 Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed the World, the authors point out that “from the beginning of recorded history until the founding of the American nation, human civilization made relatively little progress. Those who came to the New World in the 1500s and 1600s were still plowing fields behind animals, moving about in ox carts, and hand-weaving cloth the same way they had for thousands of years.”
“Then, beginning with Jamestown and Plymouth, something remarkable happened — the human spirit was set free, creativity flourished and experimentation abounded. Americans were learning how to experience freedom. After the proven principles of liberty were institutionalized by the U.S. Constitution in the 1780s, it took less than 200 years before men were walking on the moon!”
With the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, a political achievement unprecedented in human history was launched.
Government was no longer by a monarchy, oligarchy or by tyranny; it was “of the people, by the people and for the people.”
A Simple Idea Changed the World
The seminal, revolutionary idea at the heart of America’s success was self-government rooted in morality and a virtuous people forsaking selfishness for the common good. They knew their fallen condition but believed people could be redeemed, embrace checks and balances, then govern themselves in our history-making, new republic.
Their divinely inspired purpose was not self-focused but to bless mankind as a “city on a hill” and demonstrate what ordered freedom could bring.
James Madison said: “The happy union of these states is a wonder; their Constitution is a miracle; their example the hope of liberty throughout the world.”
This is what is meant by “American Exceptionalism.” We’re not better than any other people. We are simply prospered by the Almighty as we follow His paths so we can honor Him, serve humanity and inspire others to do likewise.
Jesus said it best when He told us, “For to whom much is given, of him much shall be required. And from him to whom much was entrusted, much will be asked,” (Luke 12:48).
Moral Freedom and Creativity
The freedom we have (which can be lost) was never meant to be unrestrained licentiousness. Rooted in religious principal, it was intended to enable individuals to conduct themselves in such a way as to enjoy peace and prosperity, restrain and punish evil, and release each person’s creativity and God-given potential.
How has this great “American Experiment” worked? Have our virtuous emphasis and ordered freedom released blessing, helping people throughout the world?
As the book title suggests, in a little over 200 years the human race has made a 5,000-year leap. While honoring other nations’ achievements, we should feel mighty grateful for how God has blessed these United States of America and accelerated human progress throughout the entire world through her.