Freedom!
The warmer weather and school dismissing for the summer reminds us that hamburgers, hotdogs and fireworks are just around the corner. There is just something about, not only getting a day off work, but gathering with family and friends for an outdoor celebration of freedom. Whether at a pool, the lake or just a backyard, it’s the same sentiment for all of us who celebrate our independence and are thankful for those who fought to make it possible. We celebrate!
Though there are a lot of things I disagree with regarding where our nation is and the direction it seems to be going, I am still thankful for the freedom to live, work and worship (for now) where and how I please. Many countries have no concept of choice about these things we take for granted. If we don’t like our job, we can find another within a few hours, if we get mad at the preacher, we can find another church across the street. Freedom of speech and religion are beautiful things though some use them as a platform to condemn and promote hate. We are far from a perfect system, but our forefathers fought to give us the ability to choose our direction. I have said all that to ask the question, how much does freedom mean to you? Is it only a day off or do you really understand what burned in the hearts of men to fight to give birth to the United States of America?
This brings me to the main point in celebrating freedom. Freedom from sin. I know what it means to be free from the bondage of sin. At age seven I gave my life to Jesus the best way I knew how. I felt the conviction even though I couldn’t describe what it was, I asked Jesus into my heart and to forgive me of my sin even though I don’t think I said a word as I bowed my head and sobbed. I couldn’t explain it or really describe it as a seven-year-old boy, but I knew the greatest thing in all the world just happened to me. I had been cleansed and had a brand-new life. I was free!
National freedom is good but freedom from sin is in a class all by itself. If I can celebrate our countries independence how much more should I rejoice in the deliverance gained from certain eternal death? Governments can change and certain freedoms can come and go but eternal security means just that, eternal and secure. There is nothing Satan can do to affect salvation. He cannot steal it, overcome it or bargain for it. Those whom the Son sets free are free indeed!
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39