Liberty

Today is the day when our country celebrates our independence.  It marks freedom to be independent states.  It marked a breaking away of what was binding freedom – British rule.  The Declaration of Independence was a written document that in essence said “We Are Free!”  This is very important to our country.  It demonstrated a resolve and strength to face that which was binding and constraining liberty.  For this we should celebrate that someone stood up and said ‘No More!”  Today, I celebrate my country and the freedom it affords me to write this very blog without constraint.  I am grateful to live in a country where I can voice my opinion as well as share my thoughts and concerns.  All may not agree, but that’s ok. Is that not what having freedom is about?  We do not have to condemn others because they exercise their freedom to think independently. 

Recent events have come to stifle the freedom “to be”. Some want to muzzle the mouth of those who do not believe in their ways by placing a gag order in many subtle ways.  Whatever side of the table you are on with the issues of the day, you are free to stay on that side, but don’t stifle and suppress those on the other side.  Have healthy debates, but don’t muzzle.  

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Now to all of my brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, I say that it was for freedom that Christ has made us free.  Freedom did not start with the writing of the Declaration of Independence, it started at the cross.  Better yet, before the cross.  We must stand in Christ’s strength and lovingly engage the culture.  I do not use the word lovingly loosely and as if we must accept everything because of the culture wars we see every day.  We do not compromise the standard of Christ on any issue that deters us from God consciousness.  We must accept that those who live for Christ will face opposition; but, one thing about living in this country, we can face the opposition and stand on the freedom to speak.   To continue in our passion for Christ, let seek out freedom from our own darkness that only we know that lies within because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  (II Corinthians 3:16-17)  Allow the Spirit of the Lord to break the chains and unashamedly walk in liberty.  The process for this freedom is different for all, but I just say do what you must to declare your independence and be free from the internal darkness that binds you. 

As I end, thank God for our country; even with is flaws, thank God for it.  Stand in the freedom we have been afforded in America.  Bu t, most of all, stand fast in your liberty in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 5:1)  No matter one, no one can take this liberty away.