[This focus was originally sent 07/03/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]
July 4 is celebrated as Independence Day in our country. Freedom! Do we duly appreciate it? All over the world there are people who would love to have some of the freedoms many in our country take for granted. No one wants to be under the rule of a tyrannical ruler who uses and abuses their subjects. However, in a very real sense many have given in to following such a ruler (Satan, the prince of this world) instead of following Christ. Though these people seem to wallow in the freedom they feel they have for doing whatever they desire, they fail to realize how enslaved they are to the passions of the flesh. (note Romans 6:16-18; Ephesians 2:3; 1 Peter 2:11) Though I have a great appreciation for the freedoms afforded in this country — freedom that came and has been maintained at the cost of human life for the sovereignty of our nation — those freedoms are only for this life. The freedom Jesus gave Himself to provide relates both to life presently and eternally.
In a discussion with some who did not realize how enslaved they were, Jesus stated. . .
“(34) Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. (35) The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. (36) So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:34-36 ESV)
Yes, there is the freedom I want! There is the freedom I need most! There is the freedom I can only find through Christ! That is the freedom I choose to celebrate daily because of my Lord’s willingness to lay His life on the line to provide it! Oh, how grateful I am to have a place to belong in His family and to be free indeed! It is the freedom to be cherished and for which to be thankful every day!
Have a great day LIVING AS A FREE CHILD OF GOD!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area.)
