Independence Day

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13 NIV

Happy Independence Day! We remember the signing of the Declaration of Independence on this day in 1776 and the birth of the United States of America. We celebrate with parades, music, fireworks, and gatherings of family and friends. We recall and give thanks for the brave men and women who went before us and their sacrifices so that we might enjoy freedom.

But we enjoy another freedom that supersedes our national independence: the spiritual deliverance offered through Jesus Christ—the freedom of slavery to sin and death. Let's ponder that sentence for a moment.

We understand that Jesus offered his pure and sinless life as an atonement for our sins. That is to say, we know how we became free, but we often misunderstand what that freedom means. We have received deliverance from the bondage of the evil that once entrapped us. We no longer need to drag around that baggage–whatever our particular baggage is–anymore.

Forgiven, we are released. We are also freed from fear, even that big thing most face with anxiety, death. There's no need to dread our mortality because Christ has conquered death, and we have the hope of eternal life through him.

In our new spiritual freedom, we are not to reclaim our sinful baggage nor pick up a different set of luggage that may, on appearance, look more appealing. Trading one sin for another is not an option. If we return to sin, we return to bondage.

Instead, we are to replace evil with good. Where before we opposed God in our sin, rejecting his love, we now seek to be like him. We desire to do good–serving one another humbly in love.

In Christ, every day is Independence Day. We have reason to rejoice and celebrate our deliverance from the tyranny of sin. While we may not observe it with matching bands and bombs bursting in the air, we can offer God our worship and praise and declare our freedom in showing love to all.

Father of our Independence, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to free us from sin and death. We praise and worship You for all You have done. Grant us the courage to lay down our baggage for good and the strength to reject evil. Help us to love as you love us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim