The Wading Pool

The 4th of July.  The birthday of my country, the United States of America.  July 4th, 1776, 13 British colonies issued a declaration that they considered themselves free from British rule, free to govern themselves, free to tax themselves, free to defend themselves from aggressors, free…

Freedom has been something that has been championed and cherished in our country ever since.  We have fought wars at home and abroad under the banner of defending this freedom.  Many have given their lives in defense of this freedom.

If you were to ask an American today whether they’d like to return to British rule, I doubt very seriously that you’d get many “yes” responses.  Freedom is as American as apple pie and baseball.  Threaten it, and we will get up in arms quite quick.

When I think of freedom, I think of the freedoms I have in this country, that I have because of my country, and I am grateful.  I can worship, freely.  I can vote, freely.  I can work, freely.  I can travel, freely.  I could spend all day listing the freedoms that I’m thankful for.

But there is a freedom that outdoes all the others.  A freedom that will last long after my country has come and gone, or any country for that matter.

It is a freedom that also cost a life.  It’s a freedom that’s bought with precious blood, Jesus’ blood.  It’s a freedom that never ends.  It’s a freedom that comes from knowing the Truth, Who is Jesus.

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”  (John 8:31-36)

We wouldn’t think twice about returning to subjection to Britain as a nation.  So today, why would a Christian return to the slavery he once had to sin?

Celebrate your freedom today as a citizen of the United States.  It is a great and wonderful thing.

But also remember, celebrate and rejoice in the freedom you enjoy, now and forever,  if you are a Christian.