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Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life
by Tom Kelley
One of the most embarrassing statistics of recent years concerns our youth. From most surveys and polls 22 % of our teenagers right here in the United States can't name the country from which we declared our independence. I wonder if they know the date even. That is not a matter of education but a matter of caring. If you want to know something you will receive that knowledge. However, if that knowledge is of little or no concern to you, you will ignore it completely.
There are those who feel that we struck our independence in the exact right time. George was not a particularly strong king and seemed to be more into being a grand regent than an effective one. I've often wondered if we would have gotten away from England (you did know it was England we declared our independence from, right?) had Queen Victoria been born early enough and her family ensconced on the throne. Not particularly because of her Majesty, but because of her Prime Minister.
Benjamin Disraeli served as Queen Victoria's Prime Minister in 1868 and 1874 - 1880. His wisdom set him apart from the other Prime Ministers. I wonder if Disraeli would have looked at the colonies and asked, "How long will we be able to keep them and their wealth if we give them no representation in government but continue to take money from them?" It was Disraeli who said, "The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own."
Independence is only desirable if and when forces and situations make it the preferred alternative. Several factors entered in when independence was first contemplated. Religious freedom was a big one. As was being taxed without having a voice in the government process of determining those taxes. It's kind of like realizing there's a God who loves us but not being able to be a part of His family to enjoy that love fully. The Colonies declared their independence and became slaves to their own devices. We declare our independence from the Devil and sin and become slaves to God and His way.
"For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men — as free, yet not using your liberty as a cloak for vice, but as slaves of God. Honor all people. Love the Brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." 1 Peter 2:15-17 We have our freedom in God and our new found riches in Him, also. Our "good" that we are to do is that which embraces the needs of others to be free in God as well. They can join us as slaves; slaves to the will of the Almighty, all loving King of heaven.
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...He was the Minister of the Minorsville Christian Church located near Stamping Ground, KY.
...Becky and Tom have three children; John, single and in worship ministry in Nicholasville, Kentucky; Sean, married (Jennifer, elementary school teacher) with twins (Grace and Patrick, b.d. 10/31/04) and regional director of Papa John's Pizza in Central KY; Kara, married (Vince Taylor, prison guard) and working with Hospice East in Winchester, KY.
...Tom went to be with the Lord on November 13, 2009 after a lengthy battle with cancer. If you have been touched by Tom's writings please send an email to Tom's son at jkelley@catalystchristian.net
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