Freedom
We all long for freedom. To be free to move around without restriction, to be open to say and do as we choose. This year like never before in American history has the word "freedom" become more meaningful to us as citizens of the United States of America. On July 4th 2002 our country will celebrate its day of independence with a stronger awareness of the privilege of the freedom we enjoy in this country.The American flag will wave in neighborhoods across the nation, renditions of God Bless America will be sung by many, local fireworks will be displayed across the night sky, everywhere families and friends will gather together for outdoor picnics. Can’t you just smell the hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill? Hear the laughter? See the patriotism?
Freedom means more than blessings. Freedom also means the honor of responsibility to defend and ensure that freedom at any cost. A few years ago two lieutenants were flying on a routine mission near Bosnia and were shot down and trapped behind enemy lines. Their admiral launched a rescue mission to save the life of the one surviving solder. As the soldiers stood at attention on deck before their admiral to receive any last commands, the admiral declared, "I am not going to lie to you men. This mission is dangerous and you could die out there. You may not come back alive. I understand if you don’t want to go. So, I am going to ask whoever wants to go on this mission to step forward." Without hesitation willingly every man stepped forward. They were committed to serve unselfishly because they knew their right to freedom was also their duty to freedom.
There is another kind of freedom we are offered in Christ and that is spiritual freedom as revealed to us in 2 Corinthians 3:16,17 "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, then the veil is taken away. Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom."
Paul calls us to protect our freedom in Galatians 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by slavery." It is our goal and responsibility to live free from sin. To fight the daily battle to make the right choices so our lives will uphold the reputation of Christ, giving glory to God. Freedom is ours because of the accomplishment of Christ on the cross.
Galatians 5:13 says it well, "For you have been called to live in freedom - not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love." Christ died to set us free from sin. Because of what Christ did on the cross we are now able to live unselfishly by looking for opportunities to serve others, rather than expecting to be served.
On July 4th, we will proclaim, "I am proud to be an American."
On everyday may we proclaim, "I am proud to be a Christian."
There are two freedoms -- the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought. - Charles Kingsley. 1819-1875
© 6/2002 Connie Aspelund