Celebrating Freedom

One of the definitions of freedom is “the state of not imprisoned or restrained.”  On this July 4th week, we celebrate the freedom that we have living in our country.  We celebrate the birthday of our nation with traditions like fireworks and parades.  We pause when our national anthem is played, and offer a salute or a hand over our hearts when the flag passes by.

As Christians, we celebrate freedom everyday.  Our faith in Jesus Christ frees us from the bondage of sin and death so that we can do what is right rather than what one wants.  Freedom in Christ expects us to use our head and our heart as we live out our faith in everyday situations.  We know the freedom in this country from those who serve in our military, our elected leaders and those who chase after justice.  We know the freedom in our faith through the movement of the Holy Spirit.  We know the freedom in our faith offered to us by God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.  

Why is it important for us to understand this broader understanding of freedom?  

This began to make sense to me the year my grandfather died.  It was in 2003, and I had just finished up my junior year in college.  His death was the first major death in our family.  We were all devastated.  One afternoon shortly after his passing, I was driving in my car on the back roads of my hometown area.  I was overwhelmed with tears.  I had his picture in my hand, and pulled over so that I could compose myself.  With an “ah-ha” moment, like a sparkle from the heart that I have hanging from my rear view mirror (even still to this day), this concept of freedom in Christ made sense to me.  

I was grandpa’s girl.  He wouldn’t have wanted me (or any of us) to be in that much pain over his passing.  I remember saying outloud to myself, “Jesus doesn’t want that for us either!”  Jesus doesn’t want us burdened by the weight of judgement, pain, grief, suffering and sin.  Rather, Jesus’ death and resurrection freed us so that we might live differently by God’s grace.  That is not to say that we won’t experience the pain of this life or grief.  We will experience it a little differently each time.  

I still grieve his passing, along with the other special people in my life. My faith gives me an assurance in my tomorrow with Jesus Christ.  I give thanks on this 4th of July for those who create the logistical space for us to believe without fear.  This is a great country!  I also give thanks for the Spirit of God that moves among us and through us to bring us closer to God with Jesus.  I will the fireworks this 4th.  I will celebrate my freedom in Christ everyday.

Friends, it is important for us to begin to understand this freedom in Christ as it is a benchmark on a lifetime journey of faith.  Yes, I still return back to that “ah-ha” moment back on April 17, 2003.  I also remember June 14, 2014 as my ordination day.  I remember an early day in June 2000 when we almost lost my brother.  I remember a summer day in 2019 when all of our family kiddos were in the same place and we got a picture to prove it.  Those significant moments in our lives are those thin space moments where God is at work.  Our faith is made real in how we respond.  

Celebrate the 4th of July!  Make your memories.  Create space for God to show up.  Celebrate our country.  Give honor and thanks where it is due.