Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th as a holiday in the United States commemorating the
Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
Being free means being exempt and independent from the power of another.
Independence Day is a celebration and reminder of that.
In a spiritual sense, freedom is being free from the power of another (Satan) and from enslavement to sin. As freed believers, we have the ability to obey God and testify of our freedom.
For many, the 4th of July stands for freedom, fireworks, hamburgers and hotdogs grilled, flags, and family and friends getting together. It’s a time of celebration. For others, freedom is not just “stuff” on that day but longer lasting and personal. It means you can make your own decisions, do what you want, whenever you want. You are personally independent in a free country. Both, the freedom as a nation and the freedoms in your own personal life, are okay in moderation but spiritual freedom is being truly free indeed. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free.” John 8:36
Jesus does not set us free just to do what we want, when we want, as a nation or as an individual. Christ freed us so we can walk in relationship and obedience. Christ’s death set us free from the penalty and power of sin.
The Old Testament has stories of how God’s people lost their freedom as various empires overtook them. The loss of freedom is tied to being disobedient, like worshiping false gods. But God always forgave His people and rescued them. He will always set us free, if we are willing.
Are we bound by and worshiping false gods? “stuff”, success, money, comfort, and love?? Do we need to be set free from spiritual slavery? Jesus came so that He could set us free from those things also. While we still battle these temptations, we do not need to be slaves to them. “you, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature…” Gal. 5:13 He can rescue us!
Being free to sin is not really freedom because it enslaves you to Satan and/or your own sinful nature. Freedom FROM sin is true freedom! We must not let ourselves become slaves to sin because we can be rescued and be free to do what is right.
Let’s celebrate this Fourth of July by being grateful for freedom of faith, grateful for those who defend our freedom, grateful for the opportunity to participate in the processes of our government, and be grateful for our freedom to worship.
While these are things we should be grateful for, they are nothing compared to the spiritual freedom we have in Jesus Christ to not sin. No more chains, no more bondage. We are free!! Him working in each of our lives brings is what brings us true freedom!