“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 NIV
The Fourth of July is the day that we celebrate the birthday of the United States of America. Our country was founded by the people and for the people of this country. It was the intent of our founding fathers that we form a nation that would submit to the direct leadership of God. The God that I am talking about here is the one and only God! The God I speak of is the same God who created all of heaven and all of earth. He is the same God who breathed the very breath of life into every single human being.
Our founding fathers also desired that we have basic individual freedoms such as the freedom to worship and freedom of speech. The founding fathers also wanted us to have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
As I celebrate the birthday of my country, I also celebrate a very special freedom that I have through Christ Jesus. Because I have accepted the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ for me personally, I am free from the bondage of sin that separated me from God. I have been redeemed by Jesus and brought back into fellowship with my creator.
Jesus taught us to give to the government what belongs to the government but never to bow to anyone other than God. As believers we are to be discerning and gracious people. In many ways we are like sheep among wolves. Jesus told his followers,
Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Matthew 10:16 NIV
Join me this week as we celebrate all of our most precious freedoms. Especially the one we have in Jesus. I also challenge you as a believer to be astute, sharp, perceptive, insightful, discerning and wise. Do not follow blindly any leadership that threatens our basic freedoms and do not bow to anyone other than the God of all creation. Our greatest hope for our country is for believers to pray with a humble heart, for the ones who lead our country and for our fellow believers to remain strong through the power of the Holy Spirit. We do not know about the future, but we do know the One who holds the future in his almighty hands!
I pray that we will never loose our precious freedoms but if we do, there is one freedom that can never be taken away from us and it is the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. Even in death no one can take our soul!
Are you grateful for the freedoms that you have in this country?
Have you experienced freedom from sin through Jesus?
Are you a discerning believer?
What are some of the things that God has given you discernment about concerning our country?
Will you join me in praying for our country, our leaders, and fellow Christians?
Prayer:
Dear God,
As a believer sometimes I feel discouraged regarding the direction our world is going. I am sad when I see people call “good” evil and “evil” good. I pray Lord that you will give me your discernment regarding the country in which I live. I am grateful and privileged to live in the USA, but I also am fearful that we have become a country where many do not acknowledge you and would love to stamp out your name. Your Word teaches that when you are not honored there will be consequences. Help me Lord to be as shrewd as a snake and gentle as a dove as I go about living my life. Lord, I pray I will not take for granted the freedoms that I now experience, and to cherish the freedom that I have in you. I pray for our country, and that our leaders would look to you. I pray also for all believers that we might be discerning and remain strong in our faith.
In Your Son’s Name I pray. Amen.
