It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1

Freedom! It’s one of those words that has become sacred to us in this country.  It is a word that takes on special meaning at this time of the year.  July 4th is not just about firecrackers and barbeque. It is about freedom and sacrifice and balanced thinking that guards our freedoms and makes them special to us and examples to the world.

Our hearts are heavy because other countries do not have the freedoms that we have.  They do not have the freedom to worship as they believe.  Others in our world cannot speak their minds without being killed or imprisoned. There is no freedom of the press that allows the actual news to get out to the people.

Many have fought and many have died to preserve this freedom.  We must never take this freedom for granted.  Our country was established on the principles laid out in Holy Scripture and we can continue in freedom as long as we abide under this shield.  Freedom is what our Lord gives to us as we partake of His grace.  Freedom is what the Lord gives as we abide under His guidance.

It is a good time for us to pause and thank God for the freedoms we have and pray fervently that we can act responsibly and guard this freedom.

Many search for freedom and often miss out on receiving it.  Some search in all the wrong places. Others simply won’t do the right things to receive it.  Still others just refuse to recognize how it is acquired.

On this 4th of July, 2010 let us rejoice in our freedom in the good old USA and thank God for the freedom He gives us in His Son Jesus Christ.