Happy Independence Day!

Many years ago, when the American colonists declared their freedom from England, it was a great day – for them and for us.  They began a venture into the unknown to establish and safeguard American freedom.  And since then, we have taken great pride in our freedom and independence.

Each year we make sure to celebrate our freedom on July 4.  We realize that our freedom did not come freely.  Many men and women sacrificed to protect and provide it, and that battle is not over.  As long as there are enemies of America and as long as some of our own citizens and leaders try to take away some of our freedoms, we will have to stand up and stand strong to protect them.

Read more: Celebrate Freedom – True Freedom

Most of our neighbors do not realize that there is a bigger issue than national/political freedom.  Though it is important, it is only a portion of true freedom.  Most people want full freedom without understanding what it is and what keeps us from it.

You see, as long as evil enemies threaten America, we must stand for freedom.  And as long as evil threatens to harm and hurt us, we must stand for freedom.  Jesus said in John 8:34-36, “Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.  A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever.  So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.”

Left on our own, we will continue to fail in life because we cannot get past sin.  We allow sin to have control which makes us a slave to it.  And we cannot overcome it on our own (or we already would have).

My friend, until each of us is dependent on God, we will not know real freedom.  But please understand that God did not create you to be a slave even though allowing sin to control us makes us that.  Consider what Galatians 5:1 states: “For freedom, Christ set us free.  Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

Jesus paid the price for true freedom.  His purchase was once and for all, and every person can have it if we accept Him as Lord and Savior.

I pray that you will remember and embrace this ultimate freedom as you celebrate Independence Day.  After all, Jesus told us in John 8:32, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Whether you like “Duck Dynasty” or not, you will want to check out Phil Robertson’s devotional that helps us understand this better…