This July 4th it is good to not forget the words of Alexis de Tocqueville’s observations of America that my friend and chaplaincy director Ben Harris reminded me of. Tocqueville was a French diplomat and historian who was skeptical of America and the extremes of democracy. He lived from 1805 to 1859 and once toured America and then wrote Democracy in America. His words are insightful for us today on why America is good and unique in our world.
“I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers – and it was not there . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . . . in her rich mines and her vast world commerce – and it was not there . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution – and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”
Tocqueville's words do not suggest that Americans are better than anyone else. But they do suggest that America was blessed because of the morals of her people. This was the result of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was right and we need to pray that we would exhibit the gospel in our lives this 4th and remember and give thanks to God and pray for revival in America.
Pray especially for the special Decision America rally on August 12 at 7:30 P.M. when Franklin Graham will be speaking at Cheney Stadium.
God bless America
Pastor Mark