Freedom
Every year on the 4th of July my day goes something like this: First, I try to roll out of bed early enough to see a parade. Next, I find myself inexplicably captivated watching professional eaters stuff themselves on national TV. As the day progresses, I seek out a tasty cookout where I can enjoy time with friends and gorge myself. I hope to save a little room for pie and ice cream. As the daylight fades and darkness settles, I find a comfy lawn chair and watch children chase fireflies. I end the day gazing up at the sky, mesmerized by beautiful fireworks. All in all a pretty fab day. However, I wonder while nodding off to sleep, “is this what it means to be free?”
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. (The Declaration of Independence)
The 4th of July is rightly titled Independence Day. On that day in 1776, a country was born that still struggles to live into these inspired words and lofty ideals. The hope for self determination is not new. Human beings throughout history have always sought independence. We strive to pursue life on our own terms. We all yearn for freedom of speech, assembly, and religion. Further, we rightly desire equal protection under the law, trial by a jury of our peers, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. These are fundamental rights sadly seldomly provided for by many governments throughout time.
As the Declaration of Indepence points out, these rights are actual gifts endowed by our creator. They are given by God, and are to be realized by human beings. They are, in truth, written into the very fabric of existence. At our best the United States stands for these extremely important ideals. We endeavor to be a shining light for others. Unfortunately there are still many around the world, and in the USA, who do not truly possess these liberties. The signing of the Declaration of Independence did not end the battle. The fight for independence always continues. Perhaps there are great lessons to be learned about each other and ourselves along the way?
…Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8, 31 & 32 NIV)
As important as striving for everyone’s independence is, there is a deeper more important struggle to consider. Ultimately it does not matter how much money or influence a person may have. It does not matter how independent we think we are to pursue our own way in life. It does not matter how many hot dogs and chips we can consume, or whether we have the right to blow up our hands. The campaign for freedom is not just an external conflict, but an internal one as well. The battle for true freedom is waged within our hearts and souls. It is the inner journey of self-awareness, repentance, forgiveness, peace, purpose, creativity, and identity.
The actual path to true freedom may seem contradictory to us at first. For Jesus freedom is not obtained by asserting one’s own will and independence. Rather, it is found being pinned by God’s love to a cross. It is not obtained by achievements, but accepted as a gift through God’s grace. It is to be received faithfully by becoming a follower of Christ. Thus, to be truly free is to be a servant of God’s.
We are actually created to be servants. The essence of our nature is to serve the created order, each other, and our own well-being. We can either learn to follow God’s love, or be enslaved by something else. Greed, violence, addiction, hopelessness, etc. all lurk to imprison our souls. The choice is ours, but we will serve something. Thankfully the sacrificial love of God invites us to become what we are made to be, free at last!
Today is God’s Present!
