The Fourth of July, which celebrates our freedom from England’s rule and the birth of our own United States is over for another year. We’ve had our picnics, watched fireworks fill the night skies, sang a few patriotic songs and reveled in our freedom as a nation. All of this celebrating our country’s freedoms led me to think about our freedoms as Christians. We are incredibly fortunate to live in a country where we are free to worship how, when and where we want. How blessed are we?

Paul wrote in Galatians 5:1 – It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Christianity, at its core is associated with the promotion of spiritual, moral and social freedoms which we enjoy in our country. Christ’s message to us is given through His life, death and resurrection. People are set free from sin, given salvation, grace and eternal life. God has freely given us all of these “freedom” gifts because of His unconditional love and mercy for us. These freedoms are not based on anything we do on our own as they are not given because of any human effort or merit. They are given purely out of His love for us.

Being a Christian means freedom from the fear of feeling you are not good enough, worrying about being judged by others, being concerned about your status in your community, or being driven to find ways to earn God’s approval. There is no need to fear any of those things. In Christ, believers are accepted, valued and loved.

Christianity gives us the freedom to become who we were created to be…children of God, walking in truth, love and hope. It is a freedom that transforms hearts, relationships and  ultimately, eternity. We can live in peace. Thanks be to God for the freedoms we enjoy both in our country and in our relationship with our Lord. We are  blessed!

Patty