How shall we then live?

We're all in a mess now. Or, as Hardy often accused Laurel, "This is another fine mess you've gotten us in to."

I have been reading Bret Baier's new book, "The Case for America." Early on Baier refers to an initiative called, "Restoring the Common Good," whose mission statement is, "Many Americans are less happy, less hopeful than ever before. The source of this anxiety may vary, but many feel like they're powerless in their economic lives. Disconnected from community, distrustful of the institutions of government, media, higher education, religion, business, and others. This broad social and political disaffection begs for a diverse set of leaders to spark a conversation about what makes a truly good life."

The statement certainly captures how many Americans feel these days admitting a variety of likely sources. It begs for a conversation among "a diverse set of leaders" that identifies elements needed to make a "truly good life."

This is an excellent opening for Baier to compare with America's beginning. Imagine what obstacles the founding patriots faced as they began to declare their independence to find a truly good life. They agreed they wanted independence and they began by asking for it.

After making a case for independence, the patriots concluded their opening remarks accordingly.

"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

The founders laid a firm foundation "appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world" and declaring specifically their rights to begin a new nation. Firmly relying "on the protection of divine Providence," 56 men mutually pledged to each other their Lives, Fortunes and sacred Honor. What a divinely inspired instrument of independence and unimaginable resolve they demonstrated to the world and their posterity!

How did such an audacious beginning devolve so thoroughly into the mess we have today from K-12 to the highest echelons of human intelligence? The most glaring difference between now and then is our abandonment of God. At the beginning of the United States of America, not only the leaders but moreover the vast majority of citizens clung to Almighty God upon Whom we were utterly dependent.

So, fellow Americans, let us repent of our rebellions against Almighty God. Let us appeal to God's unfathomable mercy and His infinite grace to save our nation again. Teach us Your ways, give us Your wisdom, and empower us with your omnipotent Spirit to do Your will. In Jesus Name. Amen!