A Celebration of Freedom!

This weekend we as a nation will celebrate our freedom. Independence Day (The “Fourth of July”) is first of all a celebration of our independence from England’s rule over us. But the day is also a celebration of the freedoms that have come with that independence. Those freedoms are listed in the First Amendment of the US Constitution. They are the freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. One person wrote, “Together, these five guaranteed freedoms make the people of the United States of America the freest in the world.”  (“7 Things You Need to Know About the First Amendment” online page of the Free Speech Center) 

Although we are grateful for our freedoms as Americans, I think we would all agree that one’s freedom can be used for either good or bad. For example, some think that because we have been guaranteed freedom of speech, they can then say whatever they want to or about others, no matter how hurtful or untrue their words might be—at times even spewing outright lies on social media. Some use the freedom to assemble as an excuse to throw a “pop-up party” that suddenly takes over a family destination such as the boardwalk in Long Branch, NJ and ultimately results in a crowd that gets out of hand, the destruction of property, and multiple arrests. 

As followers of Jesus, we thank God for the freedom that is ours in Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” (Galatians 5:1 – NIV) The New Testament teaches us that, when we give ourselves to following Christ, he sets us free from sin, self, and the demands of the Law. But Paul also warns us against misusing our freedom. He wrote, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.  For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  (Galatians 5:13-14)   The Apostle Peter put it this way: “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.” (1 Peter 2:16 – NIV) 

I’m thankful for the freedom I have as a citizen of the United States of America. I am more thankful for the freedom that has come into my life through Christ. In both cases, however, I want to be sure that I use the freedoms with which I have been blessed to do what is right and just, to bring blessing into the lives of others, and demonstrate the love of God. 

So this “Fourth of July,” let’s give thanks for the freedoms that are ours, both as Americans and as followers of Jesus. And, let’s commit ourselves to using our freedoms in a way that brings glory to God and blessing to others. 

Have a great day and a wonderful Independence Day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris