Today, independence and freedom are on my mind. The Constitution of the United States of America ensures that every person has certain rights that no government, regardless of its power, can take away. If you haven’t read the Preamble to the Constitution in a while, look it up online and read it.
I get frustrated when I see people not respecting the flag of the United States, for it is the emblem of our nation and the freedoms we enjoy. It reminds us of the many men and women who died to secure and maintain our freedom, and I am grateful for those sacrifices. Yet, the very thing our flag represents—independence and freedom—is the reason people have the freedom to disrespect our flag.
Let’s see what Merriam-Webster says about these words. Freedom is “the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.” Independence is being “free from outside control; not depending on another’s authority.”
Our independence and freedom can bring out the best in all of us, and sadly, it can also bring out the worst in all of us.
America was built by independent thinkers who fought for the right to “act, speak, or think” as they wanted to “without hindrance or restraint.” Many of those who fought for us sacrificed much—many gave their lives—to ensure our independence and freedom.
As American citizens we are free to worship—at least for now—in any way we choose, and as Christ-followers we know that the only real freedom we have is through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jesus tells us, Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin (John 8:34). Galatians 5:1 says, For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Because Christ has redeemed us, The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7b).
What does our freedom in Christ mean? It is spiritual freedom from the bondage of our sin. It means we are free from the penalty of the law that we cannot keep because Jesus Christ paid that penalty on the cross. When we come to saving faith in Christ, we are free from the vain struggles of trying to please God in our flesh.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 says it this way:
But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and wehre the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
As Christ-followers, we are free to become all God wants us to be by being faithful followers as we walk with Him. So, our freedom in Christ does have us under the authority of God and His Word. We can rejoice in the freedom, protection, and blessings that come from obeying God. We are grateful for God’s grace that enables us to obey Him.
Christ-followers are created in the image of God in order to reflect Him in everything we do and say. As we read, study, memorize, contemplate, and memorize Scripture, we come to know Him better and understand who He is and what He requires of us. As we live out God’s commands, those around us get a glimpse of who He is, and the blessings of being free in Him.
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free … So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:32, 36
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Give us a passion to better represent You and the freedom we have in Christ to our sinful nation. Have mercy on us, Lord, and send a revival in our hearts that might spread through our nation and the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thought for the Day: On Independence Day, while we celebrate the independence and freedoms that make America unique from any other country in the world, remember to celebrate and give God the praise for our freedom in Christ Jesus.
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