Weekend Wisdom - July 8-9
Understanding True Freedom In Christ
As a child, the Fourth of July held a simple meaning for me. It was a holiday filled with American fags, parades, BBQs, sprinklers, and fireworks. My parents taught me that America was bought with the blood of men who fought for our current freedoms. In school, I learned about the bravery of our forefathers who fought in the American Revolution, the Continental Congress' vote to declare our independence from British rule, the Liberty Bell and its symbol of freedom, and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Given my age and position at Saints of De Pere, this year's Fourth of July celebration differed from past celebrations. Instead of going through the motions of a celebration, I focused on the Founding Father's trust that God would bring them through their struggles. I also focused on the definition of freedom.
As an adult, I fully appreciate our forefathers as they recognized God's influence on them. They understood their rights came from God and that He had the authority to judge them. The men valued God's protection. Believing firmly in God's impact, these men acknowledged their thoughts by writing them into the Declaration of Independence. Although written to help unify the colonists and announce the belief that they had to secure their rights outside British influence, God's authority would ultimately help provide their freedom.
Cambridge defines freedom as "the right to do, say, or think whatever you want to without being controlled or limited." Simply put, freedom is free from restraint or the power of another; it is independence established through self-rule. Unfortunately, self-rule can easily cause unfavorable problems and issues. The freedom that comes through self-rule often mimics Satan's enticement when he asks us to use our freedom to sin. This kind of freedom can only cause unhappiness. Unfortunately, too many people today believe that self-rule or freedom equates to happiness. Americans search aimlessly for the next thing they think will bring joy. Our forefathers found no cheerfulness under British authority. They were willing to break from Britain to secure their happiness and freedom, knowing that God played a part in it.
As a Christian, I understand that true freedom only exists when we accept Christ's invitation to live as He did – being passionate about spreading the Good News, serving others, and bringing as many as possible to Heaven through Him. True freedom comes through Christ, who purchased our freedom from sin through His death and brought salvation through His resurrection.
Our American freedom is nothing compared to the spiritual freedom Jesus has provided us. Jesus gave us the true meaning of freedom and what it means to be free. Instead of believing in self-rule freedom, we need to focus on the freedom that a life in Christ brings.
In his grip,
Jean Vander Heiden
Director of Discipleship Formation
