True freedom
On July 4, we celebrate America’s release from governance under England. We call it Independence Day. Through faith, determination, and war, the colonials achieved the right to govern themselves. Our ancestors strived for true freedom.
Since that fateful decision in 1776, our country has defended our freedom more than once. The United States also committed–more than once–to assisting other countries in defending or gaining their freedom.
During World War II, the President of the United States articulated how deeply we valued freedom:
“We, too, born to freedom, are willing to fight to maintain our freedom. We, and all others who believe as deeply as we do, would rather die on our feet than live on our knees.”
President Franklin Roosevelt
What is freedom?
How do you define freedom?
- Is it the right to make decisions for ourselves?
- To participate in choosing our leaders and making the rules by which we govern?
- To not have someone else in control of our actions?
The Oxford Dictionary defines freedom as… “the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hinderance or restraint.”
The definition adds this disclaimer, “We do have some freedom of choice.” Further clarification includes that freedom means the “absence of subjection by a foreign or despotic government” and “the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.” (Oxford Dictionary)
But for those of us who live by our faith in God, true freedom has a greater meaning. I’m by no means devaluing the sacrifices made by those brave men and women who fought for freedom here at home and abroad for the last two hundred fifty years. They’ve given much, often their lives, to provide us with what we call “freedom.”
But there is another kind of freedom.
Early in His ministry, Jesus spoke of His purpose as He quoted from the Book of Isaiah:
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. (Isaiah 61:1)
Jesus came to set us free from the prison of sin.
True Freedom
How did Jesus go about accomplishing His purpose?
He first taught through His ministry on Earth. True freedom comes through Him.
Jesus shared with His followers:
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31-32)
“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
We are never good enough to escape the stain of sin and the death of our human bodies. God loved us so much, He sent His Son to save us.
By taking our sins upon himself, Jesus set us free from death.
Jesus sets us free by letting us know the path to salvation and eternal life.
By His sacrifice on the cross, those who accept Him as their Savior are given eternal life
Th Apostle Paul reinforces the purpose of our Lord’s sacrifice:
The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 3:2)
The gift of love, the willing sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to die for our sins, grants us eternal life. We are freed from the prison of sin and death by His love.
His gift of love
The cross brings us freedom. His resurrection promises the gift of eternal life with Him.
Our true freedom comes through Christ.
However, our love for our country and our need to maintain our freedom remains strong. I hope you will join me in prayer for our country and the freedom we have worked hard to secure and maintain since 1776.
The freedom Jesus came to give is, indeed, true freedom. True freedom from death for all of eternity.
Wishing you a blessed 4th of July as we lift our soldiers in prayer and gratitude.
Thank you, Candyce. I’m grateful for your prayers for our country and its defenders. Happy July 4th!
Beautifully said, Katherine. Thanks for sharing and Happy Independence Day!
Happy Independence Day to you and your family, Barbara. We are so blessed to live in the United States of America. Thank you for sharing encouragement.
May we all pray in thanksgiving for the freedom we enjoy in this country. Have a wonderful Independence Day, Katherine!
Thank you for joining in prayer for our country and freedom, Priscilla. Happy 4th of July to you and your family. Peace and blessings.
I am thankful for the freedom found in Christ. Thank you for this inspirational message. Have a blessed week! Happy July 4th! 🙂
We are so blessed to have true freedom in Christ’s love and sacrifice. And further blessed to live in a country where we are allowed to worship our Lord openly. Wishing you and your family a safe and happy July 4th. Thank you, Melissa, for your encouraging message.
I’m thankful for our freedom as a country and more thankful for the freedom found in Jesus regardless of where we live or whatever our circumstances.
I agree, Diana. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
The freedom that Jesus gives us…thank you for shining a light on the most important freedom of all, Katherine. I am praying for our country and our leaders and that America will turn back to Him and once again be a “shining city on a hill” for all. 🙏🏻🇺🇸
Thank you, Tammy. I join you in that prayer, that our nation and our leaders will turn back to God. Thank you for sharing your prayer with us.
Amen Katherine, so well said.
Thank you for your kind encouragement, Yvonne, and for your prayers for our country.
I’m thankful for the wisdom God gave our founders and for the freedom Jesus gave us!
I am grateful, too, Debbie, to our loving Father for His mercy and grace. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Katherine, everyone needs to understand the points you share about true freedom. I just finished studying Galatians. It’s all about people who had freedom in Christ but preferred to live like slaves. We need to be vigilant. “Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
Thank you for sharing your insights and wisdom, Annie. Your comments add so much to the message of this blog. Yes! We need to be vigilant and in prayer for stronger faith and our Lord’s intercession. Peace and blessings.