Happy Fourth of July. I hope your holiday is filled with many memories!

Amidst all the festivities, I want to offer some thoughts about a holiday that is full of good food (my favorite part), fun activities, friendship, and fireworks. In our celebration of national freedom, let us not forget about Jesus and what He did so that our freedom would transcend any nation or people group.

Jesus gives us freedom. 

More than veterans, government, war, patriots, and policy, Jesus gives true freedom. This freedom can not be taken away and needs no protection; moreover, there is nothing we can do to lose this freedom.

Jesus came to give freedom to oppressed, enslaved people. He offered them freedom, but the political system persecuted Him for it. He offered them freedom, but they wanted political supremacy. Ultimately, He gave His life as a sacrifice for their freedom. We need be careful not to make the same mistakes as those before us.

We must separate political and spiritual freedom.

Political freedom offers independence from the control of other nations. Spiritual freedom offers dependance on the One in control of every nation and tribe. We have a higher allegiance than to our country.

If we are not careful we will settle for the pseudo-freedom that nationalism offers. Yes, we can love our country and honor those that sacrificed their lives to make this country safe; but we must also remember there is more to freedom than being safe and comfortable. Jesus came and died so that EVERYONE could taste freedom of eternal quality and quantity.

Don’t play it safe.

What if true freedom is more about faith and less about protection? This is the alternative I am suggesting. Because of freedom, we have a hope in something bigger than us, we have a life worth living, and we have a future waiting to be written. Do not waste that.

Do not shy away from what God has called you to do, because we do not have to worry about political limitations or persecution; we can enjoy our lives and share true freedom with others.

The Fourth of July is a special day, but freedom in Christ awaits you every moment. Then every day is a holiday.