You've been set free. On a day where no one else around us is very excited about the Independence Day of the United States, it makes me think more about it. I am thankful I grew up in a 'free' nation. I am thankful that I had some freedoms that many other people in the world can't claim. I could worship where I chose and share my faith with whom I chose. I could speak out about my opinion on any subject and have no fear of the government cracking down on me. I could choose the lifestyle I wanted to live. I could work to better my situation with the only limits being my own knowledge, drive, and current position in society.
But I also realize that there is no true 'freedom' outside of Christ. Even in Christ we are not completely free. We must serve someone or something. Some people in the world sell their freedom for financial gain. Am I going to serve money? Am I going to spend all my time and energy to get more money and possessions? Some people sell their freedom to get further up in society. Am I going to serve power or status? Am I going to sacrifice other things so that I can lord it over others? In short, am I going to serve myself? I don't know about you, but I would make a lousy slave master. I wouldn't get it right. I don't get it right. So, maybe I could serve myself, but I don't want to.
The great thing is that Christ set me free. Not to serve a bunch of laws He gave me, but to serve Him. Who else has proven that they love me enough to die for me? Who else has proven that they are sinless and won't make mistakes with my life? Who else is not only my Lord, but my Friend, and Firstborn among my brothers? So, this Independence Day, I want to celebrate not just outer freedoms I had growing up, but the inner freedom I have that surpasses them all. I want to celebrate the freedom I have to love and serve the One who loves me more than all others, is good above all others, and will be glorified above all others. I like being by His side.
Enjoy a cold drink with us this 4th of July!
But I also realize that there is no true 'freedom' outside of Christ. Even in Christ we are not completely free. We must serve someone or something. Some people in the world sell their freedom for financial gain. Am I going to serve money? Am I going to spend all my time and energy to get more money and possessions? Some people sell their freedom to get further up in society. Am I going to serve power or status? Am I going to sacrifice other things so that I can lord it over others? In short, am I going to serve myself? I don't know about you, but I would make a lousy slave master. I wouldn't get it right. I don't get it right. So, maybe I could serve myself, but I don't want to.
The great thing is that Christ set me free. Not to serve a bunch of laws He gave me, but to serve Him. Who else has proven that they love me enough to die for me? Who else has proven that they are sinless and won't make mistakes with my life? Who else is not only my Lord, but my Friend, and Firstborn among my brothers? So, this Independence Day, I want to celebrate not just outer freedoms I had growing up, but the inner freedom I have that surpasses them all. I want to celebrate the freedom I have to love and serve the One who loves me more than all others, is good above all others, and will be glorified above all others. I like being by His side.
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