On this Independence Day, it behooves us to reflect on America. Our nation is the greatest in the world, not always perfect, but still striving to be perfect and certainly to offer the best chance for her citizens to achieve all that they can be. Freedom is her founding cornerstone.
Alexis de Tocqueville, a French writer, political scientist, diplomat and visitor to America in the 19th Century wrote in his book, Democracy in America:
“I searched for America’s greatness in her matchless Constitution, and it was not there. I searched for America’s greatness in her halls of Congress, and it was not there. I searched for America’s greatness in her rich and fertile fields and teeming potential, and it was not there. It was not until I went to the heartland of America and into her churches [italics added for emphasis] and met the American people that I discovered what it is that makes America great. America is great because America is good; and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”
Where did de Tocqueville discover the goodness of America? In her people. Where did he find them? In their churches. The values and morals we learn from our churches—from our Christian Faith—make us good people. Certainly we are sinners, one and all. But as Christians we strive to be better, more God-like as we follow the teachings and precepts of Jesus Christ.
This insight is both poignant and prophetic… prophetic in that it is a warning to America. Stay good, he warns. You will both learn to be good and be reinforced in your good decisions in church. Make regular church attendance a habit, a good habit.