I love being an American. We haven’t always done everything right, but the list of positives, opportunities and benefits are long!
Honestly, I have little patience for people who run down, criticize, and even demonize America…all while not realizing the freedom they have to do that is a mark of American freedom. Ironic.
As I said we have our failings in the past and present. But having flaws and weakness does not mean failure. It means there is room to grow.
Freedom is a cherished value, deeply woven into the fabric of American culture. From the historical significance of the Fourth of July to the everyday liberties, we hold freedom dear.
However, there’s another kind of freedom an even higher freedom: the freedom we have in Christ.
I have had the opportunity to travel to places like Haiti (one of the poorest countries in the world), Mexico (our closest neighbor), the Caribbean and even places like Europe and Nepal. I have seen freedom and I have seen oppression.
In those places I have met followers of Jesus who are radiant and joy filled even in the most difficult circumstances. I have also seen people living in some of the most beautiful places in the world who have a dark and anger filled life.
Understanding American Freedom
Before diving into the spiritual, let’s reflect on what American freedom means. We have the privilege of free speech, the right to assemble, and the freedom to pursue our dreams.
These rights are enshrined in the Constitution and have shaped our national identity.
Growing up, I often took these liberties for granted. It wasn’t until I visited countries with more restrictive governments that I truly appreciated the extent of our freedoms.
I recently spent time in Nepal and was repeatedly told by church leaders, it is ok to say you follow Jesus, but you can be arrested for inviting or encouraging other people to follow Jesus.
By the way, the Nepali people are incredibly friendly and hospitable, but when it comes to faith they are not free.
The Search for Deeper Meaning
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
These words were first spoken by Jesus to people who were ruled by a foreign government and lived in a demanding religious system.
It appears the freedom Jesus gives is NOT dependent on things like governments or religious systems. Somehow, being truly free in Christ is bigger than both. When you look hard into real freedom, it is life-altering.
Freedom in Christ is not about the absence of restrictions but the presence of relationship. Nothing now can keep me from God.
Not Sin. Not Death. Not Shame. Nothing can separate me from His love.
It’s about being liberated from the chains that bind us internally—fear, guilt, shame, and sin. The freedom Christ offers is eternal and unchanging.
Paul even writes about freedom while he is in prison insisting true freedom is found in the spirit, not in external circumstances. Sin has no more power of you.
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
The Transformative Power of Christ’s Freedom
One of the best parts of Christ’s freedom is the power to change us. When we accept Christ, we undergo a metamorphosis, shedding our old selves and embracing a new identity. This transformation is beautifully:
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
I’ve experienced this transformation firsthand. In Christ people plagued by anxiety find peace, people without hope find purpose, people who have lived their entire life on the surface find depth and meaning. Broken marriages are repaired, broken people are healed, and people just like you (or maybe you) find forgiveness and life.
Benefits of Living in Christ’s Freedom
1. Peace and Contentment: One of the most significant benefits of living in Christ’s freedom is the peace that comes with it. Philippians 4:7 speaks of a “peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but comes from knowing we are loved and accepted by God.
2. Purpose and Direction: In Christ, we discover our true purpose. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This assurance gives us direction and confidence in our journey.
3. Strength and Resilience: Life’s challenges are inevitable, but in Christ, we find strength to endure. Isaiah 40:31 promises, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
4. Freedom from Fear and Anxiety: Trusting in Christ means we can cast our anxieties on Him. 1 Peter 5:7 invites us to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This freedom from fear and anxiety is incredibly liberating. We don’t have to live afraid or with a sense of impending doom.
Embrace Christ’s Freedom
Daily Devotions: Spend time each day in conversation with God. Read the Bible and listen to God speak to you. Pray and talk to God. This helps to center your mind and heart on God’s promises and truths. Reminding you, you are free. This matters because the things that would steal your freedom can creep back in.
Connecting: Engage with a small group where you can grow in your faith and find support. The journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone.
Serving Others: Use your gifts and talents to serve those around you. Acts of service not only help others but also deepen your own sense of purpose and fulfillment.
American freedom is indeed a gift and a privilege, one that we should cherish and protect. However, the freedom we have in Christ offers something far more profound and enduring. It’s a freedom that liberates us from the inside out, transforming our hearts and minds, and giving us peace, purpose, and strength.
Hold onto the promise of true freedom in Christ by embracing this spiritual liberty. We can experience a deeper, more fulfilling life, rooted in the unchanging love and grace of our Savior.
In Christ, you are truly free—free indeed. Happy 4th of July!