Freedom

But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it- he will be blessed in what he does.
-James 1:25


We Americans live in a country blessed by God’s riches and mercy. We can make choices on occupations, what we’re having for dinner and even the freedom to speak loosely about friends, family, and those in higher power. Anything we feel like doing or saying, we can, and can get away with it. We live in bounty, in abundance and comfort. And our finite minds tend to focus on how we ourselves got this way- not on the actuality of why we live the way we do.

I know I personally forget about the tiniest of blessings I am given. I take this beautiful country for granted, the freedom to walk out my door and to a car that gets me to my job, which provides income for me to pay my bills. I have a roof over my head and food in my stomach, and I never lack love. But I take it as a right, not a gift. I might not have the same things tomorrow I have today. I may not have a breath left in the morning. I am a blade of grass, swaying in the wind.

There is another freedom I take for granted- freedom from sin. Freedom in Christ. Because He willingly suffered on the cross, for all my wrong doings when He knew no wrong, and gladly traded in His life for mine I am saved. I am no longer a prisoner of principle and slave to sin. I am free. I have power through His penance.

We are blessed by God’s great mercy, His grace and His selfless love. Without His Son to save us from death, we would be bound to eternal separation from the Almighty. And through this amazing sacrifice, we can walk in wisdom and live in life-giving liberty.

Take time to thank those who have served this brave and beautiful country. Enjoy everything this day stands for and never, ever take what we have in America for granted. But also thank God for His greatest gift of all- our spiritual freedom. Without the power of the resurrection, we’d be left in a lonely abyss.


Prayer:
Father, thank You for all You have done for me. My salvation, Your love, the gift of living in eternity with You. Thank You for this beautiful country built upon Your foundation. Let us continue to seek after You and live our lives according to Your great and perfect will. Amen.