On July 4th, 1776, America was born. That day will always be remembered as the beginning of a new country. Many individuals had to unselfishly give their lives during the Revolutionary War for many reasons. On America’s side, was the desire for religious freedom and an end to persecution. The other side, Britain, just wanted to protect their investment and control the Colonies. Therefore, this war began with two very different motives. Each side thought their viewpoint was correct, but in the end, America won.
God extended grace by allowing the American side to win! Extending grace to others is exactly what Jesus did for us on the cross.
In a family situation grace needs to be extended, whether listening, encouraging or even confronting our children, the Lord is glorified with our total obedience as parents. Helping our children live in this world, using Christ as their role model, is very hard. God entrusted parents with an enormous responsibility. My parents lived through many seasons with their children. My desire is to say I was the perfect daughter and sister; however, my parents would both disagree with that statement, not to mention my sisters and brother.
Then I was introduced to Jesus. So many things began to change, and it was not always for the better; however, my inconveniences do not compare to Jesus’ death on the cross. That was always my point of reference. That vertical relationship completed me as an individual in Christ. That new relationship also convicted me of my sin, inside and outside of my body. My newfound love for Jesus and others was showcased in my treatment of others, especially my parents and siblings.
Meeting Jesus had interrupted my plans, but had given me a new found freedom with security attached to it. My family life was good, but I still wanted more. Now everything had been turned upside down. This is what He did for me through His grace:
- He made me very aware of my sins.
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23 NLT
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NLT
- He came into my life and forgave me of my sins.
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 NLT
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8 NLT
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NLT
- He made me a new creation in Christ!
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life has gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
- He added me to His Church.
Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day-about three thousand in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing meals (including the Lord’s supper), and to prayer. Acts 2:41-42 NLT
Life and aspirations had changed for me. It was no longer about meeting a Christian guy and getting married. I had another purpose; Living for Christ. My parents definitely made a difference in my life because of God in their lives. Will you make that difference for your child?
Similar to how my parents showed me grace and mercy, we should remember what God did for us as Americans on this Independence Day. He extended grace and mercy to allow us to start a new nation. A nation of families were established on July 4th, 1776. God built those families, just like He built mine.
Unless the Lord builds the house the work of the builders is wasted. Psalm 127:1 NLT
