Thanks to tradition
and cultural training, we Americans celebrate our independence with massive
displays of pride and love. We love our country. We love our freedoms.
Every year when we
say our Pledge of Allegiance, sing our patriotic songs and generally enjoy
community fireworks displays, I remind my friends and family that freedom is
very precious. Although liberty is extended to every American, liberty doesn't
give us the right to do as we please, without regard for the freedoms of other
citizens.
In the hands of
selfish people, freedom can be turned into something ugly, chaotic and dangerous. But in the hands of generous
people, the opposite is also true.
Liberty -- the very
thing we love and celebrate -- can suddenly be turned into captivity. As
believers in Christ, we are not enslaved by the law of sin and death. And the
Bible teaches us that our liberty is not to be used for selfish practices and
purposes.
In our world,
freedom is still a delicate privilege and many countries and people groups do
not enjoy it. Yet, spiritual liberty can be enjoyed by all in Christ Jesus. All
followers of Christ have been liberated, but our liberty is not a personal tool
for "anything goes." Instead, the liberated demonstrate their liberty
and love by service to one another. Liberty is the freedom to do what God
pleases. Love is the expression of pleasing God
Dear Father, thank
you for the liberty we enjoy in Christ. Empower us with the love and respect
that liberty commands and enable us to serve one another freely. This I pray in
the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and
courageous today in your love and liberty,
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