Today, the United States celebrates the 249th anniversary of its independence.
The desire for freedom was infused into the beating heart of this nation since before we were even “born” as a people.
On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry urged his fellow countrymen to stand up and fight for their freedom.
His words went down in history:
“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
While we have significant freedoms as United States citizens, Christians enjoy an even greater freedom in Christ.
Freedom requires a price
A routinely used phrase on military memorials is “Freedom is never free.”
Over 1.3 million American soldiers have died in various wars throughout this nation’s history. Every single one of those lives lost reminds us that freedom has a high price.
The apostle Paul reminded Christians, “you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20 NKJV).
The purchase price for our freedom was “the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18–19 NKJV). Every Sunday, as we eat the Lord’s Supper together, we remember the price Jesus paid for us (1 Corinthians 11:23–26).
Freedom demands responsibility
Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate from 1947 until his unexpected death in 1949, said:
“Freedom is not the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to do what is right.”
Although we live in a free country, we are not free to do anything we please or to treat people anyway we want. Our crowded prison system stands as a witness to that fact.
Right before Peter spoke of the price Jesus paid for us, he reminded Christians of our responsibility to live differently.
“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY” (1 Peter 1:13–16 NKJV).
Freedom must be protected
President Ronald Reagan reminded Americans of our precarious hold on freedom when he said:
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
In this world, if a nation desires to remain free, it must be willing to protect that freedom.
The good news for Christians is that if we continue following Jesus, walking in the light with Him (1 John 1:7), He protects our freedom (John 10:27–28).
We must be watchful and stand firm in our freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1). “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NKJV).
