The United States of America celebrates her freedom on July 4. The date recalls the end of her labor under England’s tutelage. But the fight for continual freedom—and her efforts to help others preserve theirs, continues.America’s struggle against bondage is dotted with wars: Revolutionary War, Civil War, WW I, WW II, Korean conflict, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and presently the war on terrorism that has taken us into several Middle Eastern countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
The skirmish with bondage, however, isn’t always manifested in conflicts with other individuals. Sometimes the battle is with physical, mental, and emotional elements such as controlling habits, addictions, unfulfilled dreams, unforgiveness, misplaced priorities, and emotional entanglements.
According to the Bible, we come into this world in bondage (Psalm 51:5) which is why Jesus offers to set us free by forgiving our sins. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free (John 8:36 NLT).
Celebrating the freedom of my country—along with the freedom Jesus brings, carries responsibilities. One is cherishing my freedoms—the freedom of democracy and the freedom of forgiveness. Both costs the lives of others, and both are worthy of my respect and honor.
Praying for my country’s leaders as well as world leaders is another way I celebrate freedom. They’re assaulted by thousands of decisions and need God’s guidance to make correct choices. In my country, I can express freedom and aid my leaders with their decisions by voting—and it’s my duty.
Most importantly, I celebrate freedom by serving God passionately. I can’t repay him for forgiveness, but I can demonstrate my appreciation by helping spread his love in practical ways to other people.
Do you have freedom in Christ? In what ways are you celebrating it?
Prayer: Thank You merciful Father for providing the freedom of forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
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Hello Martin,
ReplyDeleteThis is Barb Shelton from the Authors, Bloggers, Writers, Readers, and Books group. My heart was touched with your article about freedom today, and I'd like very much to publish it in my church's newsletter to be published this weekend. I hope you'll give me permission to do so - and I certainly will give you due credit for sharing it. My email address is barbjan10@tx.rr.com. I await an encouraging reply. Thank you. Enjoy a glorious and safe 4th of July!
In Christian Joy,
Barb Shelton
Arlington, TX
My church: The United Methodist Church of the Covenant, Arlington, TX
Good thoughts, Martin. I like each of your points and especially the final one that we celebrate freedom when we serve God passionately.
ReplyDelete