“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” — Gal. 5:1 NASB
Happy 4th of July! How will you celebrate our nation’s birthday? I like to take a moment to appreciate the courage and conviction it took to forge our nation. This is also a good time to reflect on the responsibility we all share to uphold the freedoms that were won and secured at great cost. Recent years have shown we can’t take our freedom for granted.
The Declaration of Independence proclaimed a break from a distant monarchy. It also declared the right to self-govern, to pursue happiness, and to work for a better life. But what did our founders mean when they spoke of freedom and happiness?
Some in our culture seem to confuse the right to self-govern with selfishness. The signers of the Declaration of Independence were not self-centered when they pledged their sacred honor, fortunes, and lives. They risked execution for treason against the British Crown. And each one paid dearly to secure our freedoms of religion, speech, and more.
The biblical path to freedom sounds illogical to some. True freedom requires surrendering our fleshly desires to satisfy the higher calling of pleasing our Lord. Jesus went to the cross to free us from the control of sin (John 8:36). Living a righteous life is the only way to enjoy true freedom (Romans 6:16-18). Self-indulgence leads to slavery.
Jesus’ sacrifice resulted in our salvation. Our founding fathers’ sacrifices resulted in the freedoms we enjoy today. Freedom always comes at great cost.
As we celebrate the birth of our nation, let’s also consider the wonder of our spiritual birth. The faith of our nation’s founders led to the birth of this great nation. Our nation’s greatness will only be preserved through the faithfulness of God’s people.
“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” — The 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Test Your Knowledge
- What did the founders mean by independence?
- What did the founders mean by “happiness” and how is it connected to virtue?
- What role does God play in our personal freedoms?
This ten-minute video by Hillsdale College provides the answers to these questions and more.
A 4th of July Classic
Paul Harvey, “The Rest of the Story”
What Freedom Really Is—According to Scripture and the Founders #FreedomInChrist #FourthOfJuly Share on XBlessings,
Sometimes I link to these great sites:
#MondayLinkUp #InstaEncouragements, #TellHisStory, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth
Only when we submit to Him are we truly free! Happy 4th. I am so grateful for our founders and our military who work to keep us free.
Me too, Ann. How blessed we are! Happy 4th!
Powerful, Debbie, thank-you!!
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Thank you, Marilyn!
We are so blessed to live here. May we remember to love others in the same measure it was given to us—when we didn’t deserve it.
Amen, Ashley. We are blessed, and we want to pass that on. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
What great parallels between national and spiritual freedom. We’re prone to take both for granted and forget their cost.
My brief visits to countries that don’t share our prosperity, abundance, or safety have increased my gratitude for what we’ve been given. I think all young people should have that as part of their education as well as studies in virtue and those who’ve shown it.
Loved your message, Debbie. Freedom from tyranny isn’t accomplished without sacrifice. Our forefathers and foremothers gave much to achieve political freedom. Many of our soldiers have sacrificed their lives to achieve and protect freedom here in the US and abroad. Our Savior gave all–His life to grant us the gift of salvation. Thank you for this message of love and hope.
Thank you, Katherine.
Very important message Debbie and gives us all something to think about.
Thank you, Yvonne.
When He comes, may He find us faithful in all the ways that matter most, that bring people into His kingdom, that give Him all the honor and glory.
Amen, Debbie!
Yes! Amen, Linda.