Freedom!
What are your plans for today? Some people may be working. Some may be spending the holiday with friends, possibly watching a parade or attending a cookout. Many will end the day watching fireworks.
Let’s not forget that today is Independence Day, a day to remember and celebrate the freedoms we have in our country. There is often discussion about what those freedoms mean and how they are to be interpreted.
We are certainly thankful for our freedom to worship God and to share the message of forgiveness without fear. Think about some of the stories we have heard recently about people around the world who have been persecuted for living their Christian faith.
The Apostle Paul, God’s missionary to the Gentiles, knew these feelings well. He was shipwrecked, was imprisoned, and constantly faced death threats for sharing Jesus. God led Paul to write these words
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)
Paul not only reminds us to appreciate the freedom to live our faith. Even more, he reminds us of the freedom we have in Christ. We are free from sin and free to live our lives here in this world for God.
As you celebrate Independence Day, remember the dual freedoms that you have as a child of God!