"Let Freedom Ring!"
- Rita Larson
- Jul 4, 2023
- 2 min read
Happy Independence Day! As we celebrate the 4th of July and the freedom that the United States of America has fought hard for since 1776, we can’t help but remember the ultimate freedom that we have in Christ. As it says in John 8:32, “…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Independence Day is a day to remember the history of this great nation and the courage it took to declare our independence. On July 4th, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later the Declaration of Independence was adopted. It was a document that proclaimed the independence of the 13 colonies from British rule.
Though the 4th of July is a day when we celebrate our independence and freedom, we should remember that the true freedom we have is in Christ. Romans 12:2 reminds us that “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We are called to be different from the world, and that means living out a life of freedom in Christ.
John 3:20 tells us, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.” We can remain in sin and shut out the truth of God’s Word, or we can get down on our knees and repent. When we do this, we will experience the joy and freedom that comes from having a relationship with the Father.
John 8:36 says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” This freedom is found in casting our cares to the Father, so that we no longer carry burdens. And Romans 8:1 teaches that “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” We can have confidence knowing that there is no condemnation in Christ. Condemnation comes from the enemy and he is out to kill, steal, and destroy. In Christ, we are loved and accepted as we are!
Galatians 5:1 reminds us that “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Who we choose to obey is who we belong to. We can choose to remain in slavery to sin, or we can choose to follow Jesus and experience true freedom.
As we celebrate Independence Day, let us remember the freedom found in Christ. Let us remember that though we may be free from the chains of tyranny, only Jesus can free us from the chains of sin. Let us be thankful for the freedom we have in this nation, and be thankful for the ultimate freedom found in Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the freedom that we have in this nation. Thank you for the courage of those who declared our independence and fought for our freedom. But most of all, thank you for the ultimate freedom that we have in Christ. Help us to always remember that you are the one who sets us free from the chains of sin. May our lives be a reflection of your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ©Rita Larson 7/4/2023
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