Today (July 4th) in the United States, we celebrate Independence Day, which is the day we declared our freedom from England, due to “taxation with representation.” Since that time, the US has attempted to help numerous countries in their fights for freedom. In this country, however, many military personnel are treated with disdain and rudeness. We forget that freedom isn’t free – it comes only at the price of lives being lost.
It is an abhorrence to forget those who serve in the military. Whether or not we agree with a war at any given time (Vietnam and Iraq are prime examples), we must honor and respect those who voluntarily put their lives in the midst of battle daily. We cannot forget those behind-the-scenes military – even though they might not see battle, they have volunteered their services to this country.
Let us take the time today to thank those in their military for their service and pray for their safety and well-being. Let’s pause for a moment and remember those who died in wars in the past. Some estimates put that number at nearly 1.5 million deaths of US citizens. How many more will die before freedom is found?
Now consider Who died the ultimate death for our freedom - Jesus Christ.
It’s incredible to think that God came to earth as one of us, with the sole purpose of dying on the cross to be raised from the dead. In the freedom offered to us by Christ, we can focus on what is important – eternity. We can be free of the burdens of materialism, greed, selfishness, hatred, and lust, among others.
In Christ, we are no longer bound by chains and sin. We are free to focus upon Him as our salvation, our rock, and our strength.
Jesus was treated with rudeness and disdain, yet never lost sight of His mission while on earth. Let us not lose sight of Him as we travel through each day. Let us remember Him for His unselfish act of love.
Christ died to give us independence. Christ rose to show us only He has the power to defeat death.
If you are not free from the bondage of the world, you need to understand that this world is temporary, while eternity is forever. We all live for eternity and there are only two choices – Heaven or hell. Whether or not we accept Jesus into our hearts determines that fate.
