Monday; June 20

There is a lot of thought about freedom in our nation these days. Today, we celebrate Juneteenth and in a couple weeks we’ll commemorate Independence Day. At the heart of each of these celebrations is a sense of freedom – a chance to make our own choices and live our own lives. While this is what allures us to celebrating independence, there is another layer to freedom this is important. You see, with freedom comes responsibility. Being a nation based on freedom also comes with a responsibility to protect and support others. No, true independence isn’t just about what we get out of it, there is also an implied obligation to care for our fellow man so that they, too, can enjoy the blessing of freedom.

Interestingly, this concept isn’t only applicable to our political freedom, it is probably most visible in our spiritual lives. When each one of us committed our first sin, we enslaved ourselves to satan – we voluntarily sold ourselves into bondage to evil. Yet, when Jesus came to earth and became our Sacrifice, our Redeemer; we were given a second chance at freedom from sin. That second chance comes with a caveat, a love for our fellow man. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13).

Let’s take the time to celebrate our liberty over the next few weeks, but as we do it, let’s remember the obligation we have to each other – not just in the civil society, but in our spiritual lives as well. When we do this, we honor the work that has been done to provide us the freedom we enjoy each and every day.

Think About It!

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