Because of Independence Day, we have freedom of religion in the United States of America.
I get goosebumps every time I hear the last line of the Star Spangled Banner. O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. The power and truth that reside in this one line take hold of me and speak so loudly to my heart. This song reminds us of the freedom we have in America and of the many men and women who fought for our country's independence. When I think about this, it also reminds me, as a Christ follower, of the freedom I have received in Christ. Scripture says,
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” - 2 Corinthians 3:17
Freedom from what? We already live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Yes, that is true, but so many of us are still enslaved by something. Some of us live under the bondage of our sin, depression, guilt, fear, and lies. Sometimes, these restraints can grip us so tightly that we may feel as though we are drowning or can no longer live. This is the servitude God wants to deliver us from. God wants us to know we don't have to remain in that state of mind. We can live freely from all the enslavements. But that kind of freedom only comes from Him. The good news is God offers it to all who desire and will receive it. For those of us who are longing for change, begging for a miracle, or searching for hope, Romans 6:23 says,
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Jesus has already paid the price for all our sins, past, present, and future, through His death on the cross and His blood that was shed. To be free from subjugation, we must receive God's gracious gift of salvation and allow Christ to rule in our hearts and over our lives. It is then we can live lives free from shame, guilt, and chains that constrain us. I was once confined by my pride. Even as a Christian, I felt, with hard work, showing kindness to others, and always being prepared would allow me to reach any goal I set for myself. I was trapped by a calendar, a clock, and even a forced smile at times. I would get so upset when "things" didn't go my way or follow through when and how I planned.
God had to show me who has ultimate control over everything, and it isn't me! He allowed me to face situations that could not be altered by my preparation or hard work. I had to learn to fully trust Him, not in the talents, gifts, and abilities He gave to me. When I learned to do this, I was longer bound but free. Freedom is present when the Spirit leads and when I surrender to the will and plans of God. Taking the first step toward this freedom takes a little courage. Just ask all those men and women who fought with such valor in the Revolutionary War against Great Britain over 200 years ago. They will tell you it takes a bold step in the right direction to attain freedom. Our country's history is filled with those who boldly stood for the greater cause, and the legacies they left behind will never fade away. We still celebrate them today.
Jesus himself was bold. He left His home in heaven, took on human flesh, and walked this dusty Earth. He did this to do the will of His Father, which was to die on an old, rugged cross for our sins so that we might choose Him. I am reminded of my now 9-year-old son, who was and still is a little "pool shy." He is not the big risk taker who will jump into any depth of water just for the fun of it! So, at a very young age, loaded down by floaties, my husband stood in the shallow end of a pool with arms open waiting to catch my son as he jumped in. Even with all the safety nets around, my son was still hesitant. My husband, tired of coaxing him, looked at me and said, "Throw him in!" The next second, my son sailed through the air straight into my husband's arms. He was so excited and still a little scared but ready to do it again. This time he was jumping on his own if daddy was there to catch him.
Jesus is also waiting, with arms wide open, ready to receive us as His own. It can be a little frightening, but once we take that bold leap of faith into the arms of Jesus, He pours His unmerited grace upon us. When we turn toward Christ, fall before Him, and cast all our cares upon Him, chains are immediately loosed. True freedom is only found in Christ, and Christ must be the Lord of our lives.
"So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” - John 8:36
When Christ ascended to heaven after His death and resurrection, He sent the Holy Spirit down to reside in those who accept Him as their Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit lives within those who have salvation to serve as a helper and sustainer of the newfound freedom received. The Holy Spirit never leaves us and gives us sustaining power to overcome the struggles of our lives. Becoming a follower of Christ doesn't mean our struggles magically disappear. They are still present but can remain dormant. Our struggles are not designed to hold us captive because God has provided liberation from them all. People have been overpowering their addictions, such as drugs and pornography, for many years, all in the name of Jesus.
The temptations and inclinations may raise their ugly heads at times, but the power of the Holy Spirit can and will push us through even when we slip and fall into old habits. This is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at the right hand of the Father (Ephesians 1:20), so don't doubt for a single minute that the might of the Holy Spirit will not give us the strength we need to carry us through any hardship. If we sometimes forget, we are reminded daily of our freedom in Christ. Like our beautiful American flag, hung high in remembrance of our liberty, we have the Bible, God's Holy Word. It is our source of God's truths for Christians' understanding and daily living. The Bible covers every fear, struggle, or emotional struggle we may have and guides us on how to tackle it head-on for ultimate, sustaining deliverance.
Because of Independence Day, we have freedom of religion in the United States of America. We can praise our Lord and study His Word at no cost, anywhere please. We can gather and worship God without the fear of persecution. This isn't so for many parts of the world. Many Christians die for the cause of Christ. Many are ecstatic to receive a worn-out, used, battered copy of God's Word. We have an unlimited supply of Bibles in America. Gideons around the country place them in motels still today. And not only that, but we also have commentaries and all sorts of books and resources explaining and expounding on the Word for our clarification and understanding. We all need encouragement and direction at times, and the Bible is our ultimate source for this daily reminder. So that whenever doubt and fear try to creep in, with a Bible in our hands, the passages of God's love, mercy, and grace can fill our hearts and minds to strengthen us for the way ahead.
Freedom is only found when we live fully for Christ. Our struggles will still be present, but freedom is present as well. It takes a daily effort to grow in Christ, but we have the Holy Spirit as our help and the Bible as our reminder to stay rooted and grounded and walk boldly in our faith.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Aaron Burden
