Are We As Passionate About Christ’s Freedom As We Are America’s?
America
Audio By Carbonatix
By Amber Ginter, Crosswalk.com
The 4th of July is my second favorite holiday. Right behind Christmas, it's a time of year that always brings back good memories. Granted, I might be a bit biased because my husband and I got married on July 3rd. The 4th of July also just so happens to land right in the middle of my favorite season, summer. And yet, I would say most would agree that this holiday is one we all look forward to, no matter who we are or where we've come from. Why? Because we're celebrating one of God's greatest gifts given to mankind: freedom.
From the fireworks, flags, and cookouts, to get-togethers, roasting hot dogs, and speeches, the 4th is a sweet and savory celebration. We take time to commemorate those who served and still serve so we can be free; it's a gift not easily taken for granted. While there is nothing wrong with this, and being thankful for our physical freedom is important, I have to wonder: Do we pause to celebrate the eternal freedom Christ died to give us?
Patriotism is defined as the quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for one's country. This can go hand-in-hand with our personal and professional values. As a culture, we often express deep empathy and admiration for national freedom. But are we that excited about our spiritual freedom? Are we living as if we truly value the freedom Christ secured?
The Passion We Have for American Freedom
Typically, the energy and emotions around July 4th are positive. We host cookouts, display fireworks set to music, and embody a sense of national pride. In my town, we even have a fireworks display that is featured on the news for being so elaborate. This tradition is backed by the historical cost of freedom for all of us. Every day, soldiers make and have made sacrifices to fight for our freedom. Many will protect and value these rights today—in speech, religion, and assembly, to name a few. Our passions are even reflected in our actions, words, and commitments.
These freedoms are great and shouldn't be taken for granted. And yet, I'm reminded of an even greater model: When Christ died for our sins on the cross, He made the greatest sacrifice for our freedom. Why shouldn't we stand to protect and value those rights with the same passion? There's a reason the Pledge of Allegiance says, "One Nation Under God." Even those who deny His existence know deep down our nation is just that—under the freedom Christ gave and continually gives to those who believe.
The Greater Freedom Found in Christ
Biblical freedom, by definition, is described in Galatians 5:1 and John 8:36. It's a free gift given to us that we couldn't earn ourselves. We don't deserve it, and no matter how hard we fight or work for it, it will never belong to us. That's why we needed and still need Jesus. We needed someone beyond ourselves to save us from ourselves. But this is a choice.
Those who accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord receive this free gift of life and eternal freedom that can never be taken away from them. This is why John 8:34-38 describes eternal freedom in this context:
"Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father'" (NIV).
Without Christ, we're all slaves to sin. From the time of conception, it entangles us in a snare. It's a trap we struggle to break free from. Because of our sin, we deserve death, worse than the crucifixion Jesus endured for the sins of the world. And yet, Christ calls us, those who believe in Him, not slaves, but children of God. If we belong to Him, we're free indeed.
Many will not believe this message, just like many didn't believe it back then. These people have no room for this type of freedom in their hearts. Not because they don't want to accept it, but because they're too busy with everything else. Yet Jesus warns us in Galatians 5:1, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (NIV).
On the surface, earthly freedom is appealing. Don't get me wrong. I'm so grateful for the freedoms I have in America. My dad served in the Navy, and I have friends and relatives who have faithfully served our country well. But I would challenge us to think of this freedom in light of the spiritual freedom Christ has also given us. Maybe the 4th of July should be a yearly reminder not just of our temporary and earthly freedom, but the eternal spiritual freedom that belongs to those who believe.
Christ desires to set everyone free from sin, death, and shame—freedom with a soul-level impact. This freedom came at the high cost of the cross. Jesus laid down His freedom in exchange for yours. Don't you realize that He was fully God and fully man? He could've come off the cross. He could've said no. But He chose to hang on that cross because of His love for you. He chose your freedom over His own. Today, will you give your life back to Him? Will you surrender your freedom to the one who gave His all for you?
Are We Living Like We're Free?
This year, I hope the 4th of July hits differently for you. It's my prayer that you would ask yourself these questions and reflect on what the Spirit says:
-Am I living in the freedom Christ gives?
-Or am I still carrying shame, guilt, or legalism?
-Am I as passionate about Christ and His freedom as I am about my country's?
Maybe you're uncomfortable with the current answers to these questions. Maybe you don't even know where you stand in the equation of God and your life. That's okay. It's okay not to have all the answers. It's okay to ask questions. It's okay to ponder how spiritual freedom should impact our daily lives in boldness, joy, purpose, and obedience.
But at the end of the day, the biggest difference in our freedom is between freedom from and freedom for—freedom to live fully in Christ, not to return to bondage (Romans 6:1-2). We may have freedom here on this earth, but what about freedom beyond this life? What about freedom in a home that's not temporary, but eternal?
Rekindling Our Passion for Christ’s Freedom
This year, our celebration of national freedom will be great and vast. We will sing with triumphant shouts of joy and eat good food. But let's also rejoice in our spiritual fervor. Let's remember to celebrate Jesus and the gift of freedom He's given us with the same passion, all year round. Let's share this gift of eternal freedom with others.
Practically, this could look like integrating a worshipful patriotic playlist. You could share your testimony with a friend, serve your community, or just spend a few minutes in solitude and gratitude.
The freedom that was fought for your life here on this earth is important, but the freedom that was fought for your soul is even greater.
Agape, Amber
Photo Credit: ©Stephanie McCabe/Unsplash
Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.
