Endowed by our Creator

"liberty throughout the land"

Leviticus 25:10

The Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall in Philadelphia

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights..."

Those words, as you may know, are from the Declaration of Independence.  Today is the 235th birthday of the United States of America, and the gift of freedom ~ which is often taken for granted by those who are free ~ is remembered and celebrated once again.  


Freedom is more appreciated by those who have not always been free.  And in that spirit, I'd like to remember ~ and remind you ~ of the freedom enjoyed by those whose God is the Lord.  And by that I mean, knowing that He's not just God, He's your God.  He's not just the Savior, He's your Savior.  


As Christians, we enjoy freedom from sin.  And that means two things.  It means that our sin doesn't have control over us anymore; we have the power to live the way He has called us to live.  ~ "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" ~ (Galatians 5:1)


But freedom from sin also means freedom from the wages of sin. ~ "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" ~ (Romans 6:23)


Freedom as Christians also means living a life not burdened by anyone's law but His.  Now, of course, His law includes obedience to the government ~ "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established."  (Romans 13:1)  But the Pharisees had created many more rules than God had intended, and they were burdening the people.  Know the Bible.  Know what He commands all of us, and what He expects of you.  


But be aware that the freedom you've been given in Him does not take precedence over the two commands Jesus gave us ~ love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself.  ~ "Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." ~ (Galatians 5:13)


Finally, celebrate the freedom of communication.  We are invited to be heard by Him, and to hear Him through His Word.  If you are not praying and reading Scripture everyday, then you choose to be imprisoned in a cell to which you hold the key. ~ "I walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts." ~ (Psalm 119:45) ~ "In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." ~ (Ephesians 3:12)


Regardless of where you live, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.