Happy Fourth of July!
I am always grateful for the freedom we have in our country,
and I know that many times I take it for granted.
The same is true spiritually.
I get so used to being free that I either forget to walk in
that freedom, or I take the freedom for granted altogether.
Both of these verses have been on my heart this week as I’ve
been thinking about July 4th and celebrating our liberty:
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
Jesus said, if the Son has set you free, you are free
indeed (John 8:36).
What He means is well, you’re free. Forever.
We are no longer slaves but are forever sons and daughters.
When I’m operating out of my flesh—maybe I’m fearful or
worried about pleasing people, maybe I’m easily frustrated—I’m not living as a
free daughter, no longer under the yoke of slavery.
And when I’m living free, walking in the fullness of all
that God says I am, I can use my freedom to serve others.
That’s the purpose, right? We are free to love and to give
and to serve.
This week, as we celebrate America’s independence, let’s
consider the far greater freedom we have in Christ and use that gift to serve
others.