Hanging Together
Standing in the carefully preserved room, looking around and listening to the guide, I felt tears prick my eyes as she described the events that had taken place there. We were in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, seeing exactly where the Declaration of Independence had been signed. In this very space, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and a gathering of determined, courageous men took a stand that was personally dangerous and historically more significant than they could have realized.
It’s easy to idealize this group of colonists, as if they made decisions and choices with no qualms or doubts. However, uncertainty over the outcome of a revolution, and full knowledge of the penalty for failure weighed heavily on their minds during their deliberations. No wonder there was heated debate, along with questions and challenges. As we approach the observation of Independence Day, a number of stirring statements are recalled, but my favorite is the very down-to-earth comment from Benjamin Franklin: “Gentlemen, if we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately.” The moment of truth was at hand, and there was no turning back once the document was signed.
We appreciate and admire the Founding Fathers, because their dedication to a set of ideals and principles created the foundation upon which our country developed. Consider how many times throughout history people have come together around a core belief, and, supporting one another, working together, and staying focused on their purpose, they accomplished so much more than than they ever could have managed individually.
The newly-formed congregations of the early Christian Church had to learn to hang together, to understand that the new faith they were embracing was not a solitary activity, but one of community. As both individuals and groups, they were persecuted and in danger, often meeting in secret and protecting one another from discovery. These were difficult, frightening times, but these new Christians were so inspired and excited that they stayed together and somehow even managed to share the Good News with others. The Christian faith didn’t spread throughout the world because it was easy and effortless to witness to the message of forgiveness and salvation through Christ, God’s own Son. It spread through the power of the Holy Spirit working through ordinary people.
The Apostle Paul traveled, preached, and taught tirelessly, inspiring and instructing new leaders. He was punished and imprisoned for his work, and it seems as though he hardly missed a beat, writing from prison, advising and teaching new churches His short letter to the Philippians is filled with joy and gratitude, and he tells them how confident he is in their ability to do the tasks set before them. He says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore . . . stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.” – Philippians 3:20, 4:1
Any day is an appropriate day to recall with gratitude those who have gone before us, and then doing our part, sharing the Good News of freedom for all through Christ Jesus.
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers