Freedom

Galatians 5:1, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." (NKJV)

In a few days we will be celebrating what some people have called "America's birthday." There are other writers/historians who refer to July 4th as "Independence Day." We may disagree on an actual name for the July 4th date but it does not change the reason we will celebrate on Saturday. We will gather to celebrate our national freedom as well as our individual freedoms that were promised/guaranteed to each of us in the U.S. Constitution. 

I felt the need to remind us to not forget the true purpose of our July 4th celebration. We are to celebrate our freedom and to remember the great price of sacrifice that was made and paid on our behalf as a nation. It is easy to overlook and even forget the blessings of God as we walk through these challenging days as a nation. Let me quickly add this thought, "We can not afford to forget the blessings of God even as we face the challenges of the modern world." There is pressure from some elements in our society to "push God and His Word to the curb." There are those who claim that God is irrelevant to the understanding of modern day man. But I would encourage you to look past those "so called modern day prophets" and recognize the difficulty that awaits those who forget God.

July 4th is more than a paid holiday for some workers and overtime for other workers. July 4th is more than fireworks and loud noises. July 4th is more than outdoor bar-b-ques and picnics. July 4th is more than a trip to the nearest lake. July 4th is about remembering our freedom and recognizing those brave Americans who have fought and who are fighting to protect our freedoms at this very moment!! 

Which option will we choose? Will we choose to go the safe route of food, time off from work and fireworks? Or will we choose to take the higher ground of thankfulness, appreciation, respect and admiration for those who fought to preserve our freedoms. Let me add that I believe that it is possible to mix the two choices into one celebration. But let us emphasize the "higher ground" approach as we prepare to celebrate July 4th.

ACTION POINT: Find a veteran or an active duty soldier and shake their hand and thank him/her for their service. In my opinion that would be a great way to celebrate.