Our July 4th was atypical - no parades and no fireworks. Instead, we had a very enjoyable time at the home of a family from church who invited us over for grilled hamburgers.
Since today is the today we celebrate our nation's freedom, I was thinking of Jesus words, "the truth will set you free" (John 6:32). It is ironic that our culture tends to equate truth claims with oppression and bondage. Truth, or at least the claim to truth, is seen to serve the interests of enslaving power. However, Jesus says the very opposite is the case. True freedom is found only where truth is believed and embraced.
And what is the truth? Jesus answers, "If you abide in my word, your are truly my disciples, and you will known the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 6:31, 32). Is Christianity, or better, belief in Jesus Christ and his word, the only way to true freedom? According to Christ it is. Freedom without truth is slavery, and captivity to the truth is freedom.
As for our nation's birthday, we should be thankful for the freedom we enjoy in this nation, and for the men and women who serve and sacrifice to preserve this liberty. No matter what happens in this world, we can never lose the perfect freedom we have in Christ. But, the freedom we enjoy to practice our faith can be lost and I am thankful for those that serve to protect it.
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