Freedom FOR a Cause!

 

I believe a rousing chorus of “”Happy Birthday” is appropriate in these days.    It is July 4  week, and  July 4 is considered to be the birthday for this over 200 year old experiment called the United States of America.   One of the core values of our country is freedom.  Perhaps you will remember in the bill of rights that Americans have the  right for freedom of worship, freedom for lawful assembly, freedom of the press.  

The freedoms we know as Americans do not mean that we can do anything and everything that we please.  No, we have freedom for a reason and a cause.    We remembered that did we not on Memorial Day as we paused to remember those brave men and women who died in military service?     The freedoms we have as Americans come with responsibility.

The same is true for all who live under the banner of Christ and call themselves followers of Christ Jesus.  Through the gift of Christ on the cross, each Christian has freedom from sin through God’s forgiveness and grace.    Yet, that freedom we know in Christ comes with responsibility.   In Galatians 5: 13-14,  the apostle Paul speaks about that freedom with responsibility as he writes:

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

 Through Christ Jesus, we have been set free from the shackles of sin and given new life through water and the Spirit.  Yet, the freedom we know in Christ calls us to let the love of Christ be known through us.  Happy Independence Day and week!     Have a joy-filled week.-  Pastor Randy Wall

PRAYER

Thank you, God, for the freedoms  we know as citizens of this country and of the kingdom of God.   We give you thanks for your love known in Christ.   Through your grace and Spirit, let the love of Christ be known through me.   Amen.