Celebrate Your Freedom

July 4 is a day set aside to celebrate the freedom we have as citizens of the United States. We are free from dictatorships, socialism, and oppression. Yes, as Americans, there is much to celebrate today. We have freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms, and freedom to worship openly. We celebrate the freedom to create, develop, and operate businesses as well as choose our own educational and career paths. Freedom in the United States is worth celebrating.

“It is for Freedom that Christ has set us free.”

Galatians 5:1 NIV

In my reflection of freedom today, I am reminded of the freedom I have as a Christian. Freedom that I often take for granted or, conversely, fail to embrace. And, scripture addresses freedom on many occasions for these very reasons. The Apostle Paul states, "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." (Gal. 5:1 NIV) Jesus died so that through belief in his death and resurrection, we can receive God's forgiveness and are welcomed into His family as dearly loved children.

Perhaps like me, too often, you find yourself trying to earn favor with God. You work hard to do the 'right' thing and not make mistakes. Yet, the only thing this affords is exhaustion because, ultimately, we all fail. But Paul's words remind us that God never intended for us to live under the burden of perfectionism. God's favor is not something to be earned. It was freely given to us when Christ bled and died on the cross. THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO TODAY THAT WILL EARN YOU MORE FAVOR WITH GOD AND NOTHING YOU CAN FAIL TO DO THAT WILL LESSEN HIS LOVE FOR YOU! Now, that is freedom!

Conversely, though we have freedom from our sin through Christ, we cannot use that freedom to live carelessly or to serve our selfish desires. Christ's death opens our hearts and minds to the price paid on the cross. When we understand the cost of our sin, the only response is to live according to God's will. God's will for us is to walk with him, obey his commands, and to love one another.

Friend, today, be reminded that you are free. Free from the penalty of your sins, free from guilt and shame, free from fear of failure. Remember that you are set free to love and serve others. I pray you will embrace your freedom today!