Giving all you've got for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness

Up and down the main drives there are red, white, blue and the occasional yellow signs of independence and freedom. Not memorials to war veterans. Not flags bearing 50 stars and 13 stripes. Not tributes to the steps taken by those who risked all and sacrificed much in our revolution. No, every few blocks or so the signs of independence are represented in full color fireworks stands.

For a variety of reasons the Fourth of July has always been special to me. Not simply a day of barbecues and picnics but an awe-inspiring day of freedom. July Fourth reminds us of the men and women of tremendous valor who risked it all to put asunder the reign of tyranny from across the pond. For them life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were not ideals to strive for or historical phrases to be memorized but core values grafted deep within them by the creator. Their values so stirred within their hearts that they were willing to bear the title of "traitor" to the Crown.

These men whose names decorate our nation could not have foreseen the complications and layers of issues that our nation currently faces and those that it will face. Yet their conviction — that all men are created equal, endowed by their creator with inalienable rights — cements boundaries by which all men and women are to govern. As we gather next week to celebrate the bravery upon which our nation was founded, I am reminded of some ancient words. "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34)

Righteousness, a word not often spoken, is not religious arrogance but describes the character of those who choose to live a life that reflects God in all that they do. It reflects the values of justice, liberty, life and self-sacrifice. That character inspires even those who do not share the same faith.

This proverb reveals that a nation cannot be built on that which will undermine it. More than 200 years ago, colonies were gasping for relief that came in the form of self-sacrifice. Colors will decorate the sky to remind us of those who risked everything for citizens they would never meet because sacrificing for a nation was more important than self-interest.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father and serves as the associate pastor at the First Baptist Church in Jackson.