July 4, 2024
Independence Day! Two hundred and forty-six years ago, the thirteen colonies of America declared their independence from the British government. Fifty-six men signed this declaration “with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence” and pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred Honor to each other. Several of my distant ancestors signed their names, ensuring they would become prime targets of the British crown.
There is one famous name not included in the signatures at the bottom of this document: George Washington. He was already amid war, fighting for what these 56 men had declared … independence.
Another war
Another war for independence started countless years ago, continues today, and will continue into the foreseeable future … the battle for the souls of God’s children. Upon this battlefield for independence, we fight not a nation, king, or even a principle but the very Devil himself.
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels … And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Revelation 12:7,9)
A new battlefield
The war that began in heaven has moved here to earth and rages on. This war is unlike any other, for battles occur in our minds and hearts daily. Satan would fight to claim us as his prisoners and use weapons such as sin, disease, addiction, pornography, fear, depression, hate, anger, boredom, and loneliness. He is a master of deceit and tries to convince us that good is evil and evil is good.
A proper defense
How do we defend against such attacks, and more importantly, how do we fight for right and good? We must start each day fully armored with the Holy Ghost as our guide. Praying for guidance and direction to our Heavenly Father, He can place us where we are most needed. If we remain obedient, repent daily, and fill our minds with His words, we can be instruments in His hands to protect our souls and those whom God sends us to battle.
On to victory!
The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not know how that war would end, but they relied on the protection of divine Providence to guide their way. We know exactly how the war for souls will end, but do we know whose side we will be on when it does? May we stand steadfast and immovable with our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and the hosts of angels who cheer us forward! My dear brothers and sisters, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren, courage, sisters, and on, on to the victory!
