Liberty and Justice for All

From childhood to adulthood, we have pledged to work toward “ liberty and justice for all.” We live in a nation that envisions liberty and justice for all people. For some, “liberty” has become a license for self-centeredness and “justice” has been reduced to sheer vindictiveness or revenge. The historical American concept of liberty, however, is not that one is free to do as one pleases without accountability for the consequences of one’s actions. Rather, our heritage of liberty means that we are not owned or enslaved by another person or power. We enjoy individual and corporate freedom within the boundaries of ethical and moral responsibility. True liberty calls on us to express ourselves with civility while respecting the rights of others who may think differently to do the same.

Justice is much more than being affirmed for right behavior or punished for bad behavior. Justice strives to create viable opportunities for all persons to succeed economically, vocationally, and socially. Real justice seeks to create opportunities for the disadvantaged, such as the poor, widows, orphans, the sick, strangers, the hungry, the homeless, and those in prison.

We have pledged ourselves to work for “liberty and justice for all” persons, regardless of gender, race, economic status, political ideology, and religious background. To believe in liberty and justice for a select few is to abide by a shallow theology and uninformed patriotism.

Liberty and justice are not just philosophical ideals. They are practical spiritual values. John 8:32 proclaims, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free,” and II Corinthians 3:17 contends that, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Isaiah 30:18 announces, “For the Lord is a God of justice,” and Amos 5:24 exclaims, “Let justice roll on like a river.”
All this week, picnics, recreational games, and fireworks will all mark the birthday of our nation’s independence. As you celebrate, recommit your talent, your energy, and your influence to these concepts we call “liberty” and “justice.”