Freedom

Happy 4th of July! This is an incredible holiday in which we celebrate the beginning of our country's struggle for freedom. We know how the story turns out but, I wonder what those early signers to the Declaration thought? Undoubtedly they considered the thoughts of dying in a fight for freedom better than living under tyranny for the rest of their lives.

Living in America today, it is hard to understand the importance of freedom because it is all we have ever experience. But, all you needs to do is travel to a foreign country where there is no real freedom and you can begin to get a taste. My travels abroad have only deepened my respect for our country and the blessing it is to live in a place where i can live, raise a family, and express my thoughts and actions without fear. I am not saying America is perfect, but i can tell you for sure there is a reason that people swim across rivers to get here, work for years to get visas to enter the States, and leave all that they know for a chance to come here. It is because America is a land of hope...

Yes, in America you have the chance to live in freedom and build a life. The reason people come here is Freedom and where there is freedom mankind understands intuitively there is hope.

With all that being said freedom outwardly is secondary to freedom of the soul. Jesus said Then " 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, ...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 8:31-35

You see it is possible to live in free America and be bound by sin. It is possible to live in a nation where there is hope yet in your soul find none. I have found the following to be true in life... no matter where one lives or what circumstances we find ourselves, if Jesus has set you free then you are free indeed. This freedom is not bound by outward circumstances but the inward reality of being free from sin. Where there is freedom from sin, there is hope that transcends. It transcends circumstances and ultimately transcends even death itself. This freedom in Christ leads to hope eternal and that is real freedom.

This July 4 I am thankful for the freedom that The Son offers and I am thankful that I can enjoy it in the freedom of America.