From My Perspective - - -

 When the United States was being sought and founded, there were men of determination and fortitude who set out to establish strong and solid foundations upon which a nation would be established. In The Mayflower Compact by William Bradford, then following was written and agreed upon on November 11, 1620. The introductory comments are: “The Mayflower Compact was drawn up on the Mayflower, under these circumstances as described by Gov. William Bradford: "This day, before we came to harbor, observing some not well affected to unity and concord, but gave some appearance of faction, it was thought good there should be an association and agreement, that we should combine together in one body, and to submit to such government and governors as we should by common consent agree to make and choose, and set our hands to this that follows, word for word…" Then followed the words of commitment by all the signees: “IN THE name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland king, defender of the faith, etc., having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our king and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.”

 It would be more than 150 years before the Declaration of Independence would be written and agreed upon. The birth of a nation and an enduring commitment will sometimes reach points of departure. For years, it has been acknowledged that there is a “dumbing down” in terms of what is taught to the children in our schools. The result is rather appalling when we read (From: The Blaze) – “Americans, on the whole, should probably spend a little more time educating themselves about their homeland and a little less time barbecuing this weekend. According to a new poll released earlier today by Marist, a substantial portion of the nation appears confused about the most basic details of America’s founding. Marist reports: Only 58% of residents know that the United States declared its independence in 1776.  26% are unsure, and 16% mentioned another date. There are age differences on this question. 

Younger Americans are the least likely to know the correct answer. Only 31% of adults younger than 30 say that 1776 is the year in which the United States broke away from Great Britain. As for another question about the nation’s founding — which country patriots freed themselves from — 76 percent of respondents correctly stated Great Britain. While this majority figure sounds excellent (Americans were actually up two percentage points from the previous year), this means that one in four people have no idea which country citizens fought against to obtain our freedom. That 76 should certainly be 100! Surprisingly, nine percent of college graduates didn’t know that Great Britain was the correct answer. And, on both indicators there were significant disparities in correct answers between men and women: When it comes to gender, men - 65% are more likely to respond with 1776 than are women - 52%. Men - 83% - are more likely than women - 68% — to know that the United States declared its independence from Great Britain.”

Psalm 11:1-4 sets the tone of where we need to be in terms of commitment and what causes disarray when we fail to make the right choices and commitment. The Psalmist writes: “In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, Flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.” Consider these things with me!