Happy Independence Day!! Wherever you and your family are safely celebrating our nation’s amazing ability to make decisions for itself, take some time as well to really process this thought with your whole heart and mind: true freedom is not actually getting to do whatever we want simply because we can (as the world tries to tell us), but the fruit that comes from passionately, humbly, obediently, daily, and intentionally choosing to hold our every preference, thought, opinion, and feeling about situations, people, and all other parts of life up to the light of Scripture and the example of Christ (who made the ability to experience this actual freedom possible by paying with His death for every sinful debt we owed to God because of our many rebellious acts against His perfect and loving law) ( 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Romans 12:1-2, John 14:6, John 3:16-18).
It is only by taking the latter option of consistent, honest, internal comparison to Scripture and Christ– paired with choosing to apply what we read and learn instead of those things that well up within us that are counter to His will –that results in being continually transformed more and more into the life-giving, hope-filled, selflessly loving likeness of our Savior (James 1:22-25, Jeremiah 17:9-10, Ephesians 4:17-32, John 15:1-13, Peter 4:1-3).
Our sinful nature is always calling, but true freedom is always calling too! If we have accepted Christ as our Savior, we will always choose to obey and follow one side or the other based on what way of living we truly value: the world (which ultimately leads to hopelessness, darkness, and eternal separation from God) or God (which leads to a joyous life to the full and an amazing eternity with our infinitely loving and compassionate God) (John 10:10, John 3:19-21, Romans 6:15-23)!!
So today as we remember the amazing liberties we have as Americans, let’s also honestly examine our hearts in light of Scripture and God’s likeness to get an accurate picture of, or just reaffirm, what definition of freedom we are living in to, and all that will bring for better or worse, with our choices, priorities, and the way we see and treat others!
If you haven’t accepted the life-changing gift of grace and light God offers, along with the path to true freedom, through accepting Jesus as your personal Savior, don’t wait another second!! I promise it is the absolute best decision you will ever make, and if you aren’t sure how to go about that, please don’t hesitate to contact me for help! I can’t wait to welcome you into the family of God or celebrate your recommitment to a relationship with Him!!:) (Romans 10:8-11) “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8)!