Teaching the Children: Independence Day
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. This bold and risky proclamation shouted to the world that the thirteen American colonies were no longer under British rule but were “free and independent states.” Today, fireworks, parades, and cookouts will mark the day, and many people will celebrate a day off from work.
As a homeschool family, we teach through everyday life, yes, even on holidays and through the summer. It’s often said that the family is the church in miniature, but families also reflect the health of a nation. If we want to raise responsible citizens, we must go beyond the textbook lessons, fireworks, and cookouts to teach our children what freedom really means
“We hold these truths to be self-evident…”
These words begin the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, setting the tone for not only the rest of the letter but also the ideals of the first Americans. The document continues by stating that all men “are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” including “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
From the beginning, the founders pointed beyond kings and governments to a higher authority: God Himself. This belief echoes the biblical truth found in Genesis 1:27, that every person is created in the image of God with inherent dignity, value, and purpose.
One of the most well-known moments surrounding the signing of the Declaration is the bold stroke of John Hancock’s signature. He signed his name large enough, he said, so that King George could read it without his glasses. That act of courage and clarity reminds us that truth is not something to whisper in fear. It is something to declare openly.
Freedom, however, is not a license to do whatever we want. It is an opportunity to do what is right. Galatians 5:13 explains this clearly: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
The Bible distinguishes between two kinds of freedom. There is self-serving freedom that leads to destruction. 2 Peter 2:19 warns: “They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.”
Then there is freedom in Christ. True freedom sets us free from sin so we can live in righteousness. John 8:36 offers this hope: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
The kind of liberty our founding fathers pursued was deeply influenced by this understanding. Freedom is not just physical or political. It is also moral and spiritual. It is not just independence from tyranny. It is a surrender and dependence on a just and holy God.
Faith in the Founding
The Founding Fathers were not perfect, but were shaped by biblical values. They quoted Scripture in speeches and writings. George Washington frequently acknowledged God’s providence in the Revolutionary War. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration, called Christianity “the only true and perfect religion.”
The structure of government itself—three branches, checks and balances—reflected the biblical view of human nature. People are made in God’s image, yet are prone to sin. No one person could be trusted with unchecked power. Jeremiah 17:9 teaches: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”
From Thirteen to Fifty
Since that declaration in 1776, the United States has grown from 13 colonies with 2.5 million people to 50 states and 14 territories with over 342 million people. Today, we are connected by approximately 5,000 airports, more than 4 million miles of roads, 140,000 miles of train tracks, and over 5.5 million miles of power lines. This growth reflects progress, opportunity, and innovation. It also brings responsibility.
The Responsibility of Freedom
In our home, traditions on the Fourth of July often include time with family, fellowship with our congregation, and the occasional fireworks show. We take time to read from the Declaration and talk about its meaning, reminding our children that freedom is a gift, not a guarantee. Freedom is a choice and a privilege.
True freedom is not about personal indulgence. It is about loving God and loving others. Galatians 5:1 says: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” —Galatians 5:1 (ESV)
Freedom in Christ calls us to serve. It calls us to truth. It calls us to live lives that reflect the values of the One who set us free.
In our family, the cost of freedom is not just a history lesson. It is personal. My husband is a veteran. He has served to protect the very freedom we now teach our children to value. We understand that freedom is never free. Freedom is precious and priceless.