Let Freedom Ring

My favorite day during the summer happens to land on the same date every year: July 4th. I have fond memories of Independence Day watching the fireworks, playing games, and spending time with family. More specifically, I taste Grandma Ruth’s famous potato salad and homemade ice cream. I smell the silage out by the corals at Grandma and Grandpa’s old house in Longmont because we would take our chairs out there to watch the firework show that was set off at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. I see my name after writing it with a sparkler over and over until the light goes out. I hear Ray Charles’ “America the Beautiful,” playing on The Sandlot along with other patriotic music. I remember every year getting a new Old Navy flag t-shirt to wear that matched Molly’s. It truly is a special day because God does bless the USA.

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” John 8:36

As we think back to that first official day of independence in 1776, I don’t think they were having a barbecue or launching off bottle rockets. Even though it’s not what we imagine as think about our 4th of July traditions, I can’t help but think about what they were feeling. They were finally signing the Declaration of Independence after years of fighting for the freedoms that they desired.

Before this time, people did not have the freedoms that we do now such as the freedom to speak our mind, the freedom to have big dreams and pursue them, and the freedom to worship God without oppression. The freedoms this day that were gained for the citizens were simply, freeing.

Spiritually, we were set free the moment we accepted Christ into our hearts. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, he broke the chains of sin and despair to give us hope for eternal life. We know the truth, and the truth will set us free. (John 8:32)

Imagine life in this country if we were not able to do the things we normally do that in countries all over the world are banned from doing. Now, take it a step further, and imagine life without God and His promises. Before Jesus, people were in despair. They needed a Savior that would save them and set them free. Knowing that I have a God to serve who created me, the stars and the heavens along with being able to go to that home in Heaven after this world is the most freeing feeling ever.

“For you have been called to live in freedom… Use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13

This week, let’s not take our freedoms for granted in this country and with our God. We are called to served one another in love. Show others what “free” actually looks like. Serve God and serve others. Empathize with those who are still imprisoned and think about life before your walk with Jesus. Find a way to show others around you what they are missing out on so they can truly be set free.