Word of the Week - Freedom
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
Coming off of the July 4th celebration of our nation’s Independence/Freedom, I think it presents a great opportunity to reflect on the true blessings and responsibilities of Freedom. In a practical sense, we are truly blessed to live in a country that values Freedom and Independence for its citizens. The United States of America was founded by men of faith on the premise that we must value and protect individual rights and hold these things sacred as outlined in the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”. It is easy to take this for granted because we are so accustomed to this reality that we really cannot relate with not having these Freedoms and individual rights. Besides bar-b-que, fireworks and time on the water with family and friends, the purpose of the July 4th Holiday is to set aside a day to recognize the high price that has been paid over the past 200 plus years to gain and defend this amazing gift of Freedom and to never take it lightly or for granted. To understand that this is a gift that has been bought with much blood and sacrifice by so many and it is a very big deal.As American citizens and believers (citizens of the Kingdom of God), I think it is most important that we take on the mantle and responsibility that comes with the gift of Freedom. Ronald Reagan said “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” It is our responsibility as Americans to value, protect and steward our Freedom. Similarly, but more importantly, Christ Jesus was crucified, died and rose again so that we could overcome death and have the ultimate Freedom that comes with salvation through Christ. His blood gives us the power to find true Freedom from the wrath of God and the sin and strife of this world. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 It is interesting that the Freedom of Christ is received not through a spirit of independence but by a spirit of dependence whereby we live our lives depending on God through an abiding relationship that He describes in John 15:5. By living connected to the vine of Christ He blesses us with Freedom so that we can do His good work and produce godly fruit in our lives for His glory and purpose. “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13Lord we thank you for the many Freedoms we have as a nation and all of those who have sacrificed and died to make this a reality for us. Lord, most of all, we thank you for the fact that while we were still sinners you died for us so that we can be Free from the wages of sin and live with you in Freedom for eternity.God Bless you and God Bless America, the land of the Free,-Duane