As I’m writing this, the United States is about to celebrate a special Fourth of July. It’s the semiquincentennial – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! In addition to fireworks, parties, and barbecues, it’s a good checkpoint to think about all the things that have changed since the bicentennial 50 years ago. Just to name a few: technology exploded and revolutionized the way we get information, communicate, and buy products. Medical research and advancements have dramatically improved our healthcare options. The list goes on…
Some developments are the result of putting what we’ve learned to good use, while other lessons still have yet to be learned. New wars are being fought. Poverty, hunger, and homelessness still cause suffering. Abuse hasn’t stopped. Where will our nation be in another 50 years if we continue on this path? With the liberties we’ve been given to use during our lifetime on earth, come responsibilities.
Freedom is something we should never take for granted.
Our freedom was bought for us at a cost that can never be repaid – recently and over centuries – by human lives. Brave people continue to step forward as heroes to defend those they may never meet. If they didn’t, you and I may not be here. If you serve or have served in the military, as a police officer, a firefighter, or as any other type of defender of rights and safety, we all thank you. For those who’ve paid the ultimate price for the freedom of others with their own life, we remember you with the highest honor.
The Holy Bible has a lot to say about freedom. Conflicts between people and nations have been happening all throughout history, caused by the same reasons they are today:
- Evil vs. good.
- Greed vs. contentment.
- Ego-driven control vs. the good of all.
- Hatred vs. peace.
The Bible lays out the solution to end these destructive events rooted in…sin! How about THIS for a revolutionary promise, made by God in 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV):
“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
God says it’s possible, even in the crazy world we live in today, with a revival – turning back to God with a change of heart and behavior within each of us and all of us together. Think about this: “In God We Trust” is the official national motto of the United States. It first appeared on two-cent coins in 1864 during the Civil War. Then in 1956, Dwight D. Eisenhower mandated it to be printed on all paper currency, as it has been since 1957. It was a recognition that as a nation and as individuals we need to rely on God’s divine guidance. Do all of us do this? No. We’re still divided.
Through Jesus, true freedom is on the inside. He gives freedom to our soul.
It’s eternal and above any circumstance. When we pray to Jesus to forgive our sins and give our life to Him, He tells us we are born again (read chapter 3 of the Book of John).
Listen to what 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT) says about how this plays out:
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by His great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance – an inheritance that is kept in Heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.”
Did you catch that? Jesus – God the Son – paid for our forgiveness and freedom from bondage to sin Himself. Our freedom as Christians isn’t free. In John 8:34-36 we read:
“Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
You’ve probably heard testimonies about how God has reached into the lives of people in the most difficult circumstances of life. People confined to a wheelchair, or who have special needs. People who are in jail for their crimes, but finally turn to God in true repentance. Others are in situations where they’re also limited, whether temporary or long term, but have found freedom that transcends their confinement. Their stories tell us they’ve found supernatural freedom in their heart, mind, and soul despite their difficult life. They have assurance of a better future in Heaven knowing their temporary challenges will finally be over.
How is this possible? 2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV) says:
“…the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
In closing, what’s our freedom for according to God’s plan? Is it just to make us feel good and do whatever we want? Galatians 5:13-14 (NLT) opens our eyes to the bigger picture and we see it’s for a much bigger purpose. One that can change our lives and others.
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Imagine what would change over the next 50 years if we follow God’s path of love, helping others as our neighbors throughout our nation and around the world. It’s a choice that begins with each of us.
RESET HIGHER: Let’s thank God today for all the blessings He gives us and for those who gave their lives for our freedom – including Jesus.
