What Will You Do With Freedom?

Independence Day is a great time to enjoy a long weekend filled with burgers, hot dogs on the grill, sunshine, music, fireworks, friends, and family.  All these things are great and fun.    

But Independence Day is about much more than a few fun days off.  We know the history—that on July 4th, 1776, the 13 colonies declared their independence from England, an event that eventually resulted in the formation of the United States—we received freedom.  

What will you do with freedom?  Here are some major things to be challenged about and to be thankful about this July 4th:  

1. Gratitude for Religious Freedom. 

America still offers people the freedom to worship as they choose, without fear of being arrested, detained, or shut down.  In today’s world, about 25% of nations restrict or outlaw the practice of Christianity, but we can be open about our faith in this country.  We need to thank God for that reality!

2. Appreciation for Those Who Defend Our Freedom.

Millions of people have served for our country and defended our freedom, and some have given their lives for the sake of us all.  In our freedom, we can be thankful for all the military personnel, past, present and future who have sacrificed so much.  

3. Thankfulness for the Opportunity to Participate in Government.  

We can be involved in the democratic process by voting, getting involved in issues we care about, and run for office.  We are called in scripture to pray for our leaders to lead to in a godly way.  

Our voice matters.

4. A Challenge to Use Our Freedom for God’s Purposes

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”   John 8:36 (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.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Freedom means things need to start with us.  It is time to stop blaming government, leaders, or someone else for the challenges we currently face in our country.  It has to start with us.  The blame lies with us, as Christians.  We are told to “humble ourselves”—admit we need God’s help.  It is easy to rant and rail against what we don’t like, to point fingers, but we need to “pray”—ask God to forgive us of our sins, and then “turn from our wicked ways”—quit worshipping other things, quit not putting God first, quit chasing things that don’t matter.  

THEN, “I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land”.  

May we use our freedom in ways that make a difference in our country for good, for right and for God’s ways.