A 4th of July message

Here in the US, on this date we commemorate the formal adoption by the Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. This significant event in the history of the world set in motion a series of events culminating in the adoption of the United States constitution on September 17, 1787.

In a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Savior declared

And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.
D&C 101:80

Referring to the constitution of the United States of America, President Ezra Taft Benson stated:

“These were not ordinary men, but men chosen and held in reserve by the Lord for this very purpose … But we honor more than those who brought forth the Constitution. We honor the Lord who revealed it. God Himself has borne witness to the fact that He is pleased with the final product of the work of these great patriots … I reverence the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document. To me its words are akin to the revelations of God, for God has placed His stamp of approval on the Constitution of this land. I testify that the God of heaven sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this government, and He has sent other choice spirits—even you who read my words—to preserve it.”
“The Miraculous Constitution,” Friend, Sep 1987

Of course, living in a chosen land does not set me, or anyone else, above the rest. I believe God has sent choice spirits to live throughout the world to help accomplish His purpose. But, for those of us who do live in this country, we need to do everything within our power to help preserve it as a nation.

I pray that all of my U.S. friends who read this blog can have a wonderful 4th of July holiday. And, for everyone else, this is just another day for you; but, may it be a wonderful day for you too.