Liberty and Responsibility

Today’s message was written by my friend, Rev. Roger Kunkel, founder of Dial Hope.

On this Fourth of July, a good question to ask is, “If everyone lived out their faith as a citizen the way I do, what kind of nation would we have?” So few could say, “Great!” Most would have to say that they have left the burden on someone else’s shoulders. So before fireworks start, take time for concentrated prayer for our nation. When “God Bless America” runs through your mind, add the words, “God bless America through me.”

There is a story I once heard about a young girl who went to see the Statue of Liberty. It was such a powerful encounter that she was unable to sleep for several nights. Her mother, sensing discomfort asked her what was the problem. The girl replied, “I’m worried about the large lady with the lamp. She must be terribly tired. Don’t you think that some of us out to help her hold up that huge torch?” 

On this national holiday, I urge you to do your share in helping the large lady with the lamp.

But to go along with the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast, don’t you think we should have a Statue of Responsibility on the West Coast? Maybe we could locate one in Sarasota, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. Others have also suggested this balance. Freedom without responsibility leads to chaos. Liberty and responsibility belong together.

Let us pray: God of love, as we celebrate another anniversary of the birth of our nation, we give you thanks for our heritage. For Native Americans who saw you in the forces of nature – sun, moon, stars, clouds, rain – and who sought to conserve the land and animal life, we thank you. For the Pilgrims who uprooted themselves from their homeland and came to these shores so they could be free to worship, we thank you. For the founders of our nation who affirmed, “In God we trust,” we thank you. So bless us this day that we may be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.