Worldwide, people are looking for different kinds of “freedom.” They search for the freedom to raise their families, to be treated equally by others, to have an education, to practice what religion they want, to choose their relationships, to choose the look they would like, access information via the internet and other means, to be protected by laws, to serve their countries, to speak the language of their choice, to travel, to vote, to own property, to eat what they want, to own a business, to defend themselves, to go outside alone. We may have access to all these freedoms in the United States, but in other countries, they do not.
Those that have accepted Christ and His salvation have freedom also. Even though these freedoms apply to everyone who has accepted Christ, many do not live as though they are free. We are promised freedom from the conditions of sin, disease, and death. (Luke 4:18-19) People who proclaim Christ as their Lord have the righteousness He gained at the cross for us. We are free from dishonest, immoral, and wretched behavior. How? Only through Him. Not by ourselves. He cleanses us by His blood, stripping away everything that defiles us. He went to the cross to give people a life on earth and in heaven that was full and free. He did not go to the cross for each person to have a ticket to heaven. He went to the cross to rid us of our outrageous emotions, inadequate education or knowledge, physical deficiency, and lack of material possessions.
While freedom is a valuable power we all cherish, not everyone acknowledges the extreme sacrifices made to obtain it. Citizens of the United States should be aware of the many sacrifices made to gain and celebrate freedom. Even more so, as followers of Christ, we should be thankful and celebrate the Savior that has made us free.
I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. Psalm 119:45
