The Fourth of July: Physically and Spiritually Speaking, Freedom is Never Free
by Teresa(1,457)
Freelance writer/Speaker
It’s that time again, the Fourth of July – parties, fireworks, and food – all to celebrate our freedom as a nation…
The radio announcer gave the usual warnings; drive carefully, make sure you have a designated driver, watch your children. He concluded his announcement with,” And in all your celebrating, don’t forget the real reason we are celebrating”.
It amazes me how easy it is to forget about the price others paid for the tangible freedoms I often take for granted, and how easy it is to be so rapped up in me, that I forget to consider others. With this, I would like to give a personal thanks to all who have sacrificed their time, finances, and sadly, their lives –both those of the past and present.
I am thankful for the freedom we have as individuals to think and believe differently, without the fear of arrest –or worse. I am thankful for the one who can stand on the street corner with a sign displaying harsh words toward our military men and women. Obviously not for what they say, but that the very men and women they bash gave their lives to assure the protestor their freedom of speech…But when does freedom of speech become hatred – leading to action - which leads to consequence.
Freedom is never free.
Then there is the spiritual aspect of freedom – the freedom from bondage of sin and consequence through faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus went to the cross to sacrifice his life so that all who receive him would be free, knowing there would be generations of people who would stand on the street corners with their signs of protest.
I am thankful he died for the freedom for me to have something to choose from – as the Scripture says, “Choose this day, who you will serve…chose Life that you might live.”(Deuteronomy 30:19.)
Today I am reminded to step outside of myself and live selflessly and sacrificially that I might be a blessing to others – that I might extend grace and respect for freedom of choice to those who believe differently than me. Despite God’s warning of consequence to those who reject Christ. I am not judge and jury – this is God’s role. My place is to love as Jesus loved, accepting that there will be those who reject me simply because I stand for God.
My prayer for our nation and the world this Independence Day is the same of the Apostle Paul many years ago –
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be the glory in the church by Jesus Christ throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:13-21
Whatever this Fourth of July means to you – just remember freedom is never free.
I would love to hear your thoughts and feelings on the subject.
Article submitted Saturday, July 04, 2009 & read 279 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow in CO (1 year 26 days ago.)
I remember an old refrane from a secular songstress "freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose..." IF you are clinging to the Lord, and holding everything He has given to you loosely with an open hand there might be a grain of truth in that. I totally agree with you that freedom isn't free, someone ultimately had to pay that price. I am SO relieves, happy, thankful that our Lord Jesus DID. MarijoRespond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
That is so true! Thanks for sharing it here. Have a blessed weekend Marijo! Teresa
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» left by Jon Farrester from Madras, Oregon (1 year 25 days ago.)
Teresa, It is wonderful to see the way God is working in your life. It is so amazing to see God working in so many life's and giving them the same message. How a Gods "True Body of Christ works". I attempted to email you using the address on your website, but it said that your e-mail box was full. I feel like I may have a needed message for you, but I am unsure on how to get ahold of you now. God Bless!Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi Jon, thanks for taking the time to reach out - I did get your email and wrote back. Hopefully you will get it.
I appreciate the encouragement and glad you are blessed. Please spread the word about us here at WWbible studies :-)
Lord bless you and may he continue to bless the work of your hands. PS the Jesus Center site has a great beginning. I am looking forward to seeing it live! In Christ, Teresa
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» left by Lydia L. Najera from Spangle, Washington (1 year 22 days ago.)
I am so glad that I read this because it is so true. I tend to forget the fact thawhat so many have sacerficed for us to live free. The most important is that Christ died for not just a few but for the whole world Christian & none Christian alike. I am so glad that we serve a glories God. Lydia NajeraRespond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi Lydia, thank you for the comment. My good friend has a son in Iraq and this has made a big difference in how often I remember. It is easy to forget a lot of things unless they affect our own little worlds.
Blessings to you! Teresa
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