On this Independence weekend, I am moved with such gratefulness for the men and women in uniform who have paid the price for my freedom, my family’s freedom, and this country’s freedom. I am even moreso reminded and moved as I think about the freedom and deliverance that my soul has been given, because of the price that Jesus Christ paid for me on the cross of Calvary.
2 Corinthians 3:17 says, “…where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” It is because of Christ and the power of His Spirit that I have liberty. And this liberty has applied to every facet of my life, whether it be in my family, my work, my finances, you name it. It is because of His Spirit that I have enjoyed the innumerable blessings of freedom.
Consider that, since 1776, America has had to keep fighting for its freedom. Unfortunately, America did not receive eternal liberation simply because a group of our forefathers penned a fancy declaration letter. Many, many wars have been fought, and many lives sacrificed, since that day to reinforce and reestablish the independence of our country. Equally, I am reminded this weekend that every time my freedom is challenged or in risk of compromise, whether it be with my pocketbook, my relationships, or my soul, I am in need of God’s spirit in my life. Anytime I feel the chains of bondage or the shackles of unrest creeping in, I am reminded that I am in need of a renewing, a refilling, of God’s presence and dominion in my world.
I would hate to live in a country that lacks the freedoms I know and appreciate. Just the same, I don’t want to ever settle for anything less for my body, mind, and soul. Thank God for freedom! Thank God for liberty!