Friday; July 3

I know that I am a day early, but Happy Independence Day.  Throughout American history, the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 has been remembered as the day we became an Independent nation.  As a country, we have embraced the joy of being liberated.  Now, while this is a good thing for us as a nation, what does it mean for us as individuals?  Liberty is an important human right, but what are we doing with the freedom we have given?  Is it all about how much I can get out of my life – or is there something more to being free?  While we will spend tomorrow celebrating our national freedom, I would like to challenge us to spend some time on Sunday thinking about what our spiritual freedom means to us.  It is tempting to translate this into a libertine mindset, but is that what we have been called to do with the freedom we have been given?  When the Apostle Paul reflected on what it meant to be free, he noted, “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).  It is wonderful to enjoy our freedom, but let’s do something special with it!

Happy Independence Day!  As we honor this day, let’s be independent thinkers and share our love with each other.

         Think About It!

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