Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

Many Americans are celebrating the birth of our nation during this period while others continue to criticize our society and attempt to change us into something they think is better.

Change is not necessarily better or worse, it’s just different. However, before we agree to change, perhaps we should first remember how we started. Our journey as a nation began with the Pilgrims who desired to establish a better approach to serving God than what they had experienced to that point. Although they were not the first settlers, they were among the earliest and about 20 years later were followed by the Puritans. The stated purpose for the coming of the Puritans was, “…to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy the liberties of the gospel in purity and peace.” What a grand experiment these men and women of God from both groups believed in even though we have often come short of the reality of that ideal. We must continue strive to be Godly.

Both of these groups used the Bible as their foundation for society. As a result, a nation was born that has become one of the greatest ever to exist on earth.

Many of the failures of our system have not been because of poor structure or purpose, but because of the lack of integrity and Christian character in the humans involved in the processes. The hypocrisy that we find in our society is a result of human failure to be what God has called us to be. “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn (“Proverbs 29:2). Until we have rulers, elected officials or bureaucrats, who are godly people, we will continue to self-destruct.

Too often our leaders seek their own welfare, or re-election, more than God’s will and doing the right thing. Have you ever noticed how many extravagantly wealthy people there are in government?

I rejoice with you in celebrating our nation’s birthday this summer, but I see many people with opinions that bring grave concern to my spirit for our future. Please join with our churches in thanking God for this nation and in praying that we will move forward in the blessings of our Heavenly Father.

We cannot afford to lose this wonderful place God has given us.