Happy birthday, America! I pray God’s blessings on you, for as a Christian, I am to seek the well-being of the land where God has placed me (Jeremiah 29:7). I celebrate the freedom I have found in your borders, and I remember those who fought for that freedom. For freedom is not cheap–politically or spiritually.
As I think of the freedoms of my country, I remember the bedrock of freedom I have in Christ.
And what is this freedom? True and ultimate freedom is:
- Being out from under the curse of sin (Galatians 3:10-11)
- Receiving God’s promise of righteousness by faith (Galatians 3:21-22)
- Found in the Gospel of Christ, not “the different gospel–which is really no gospel at all,” (Galatians 1:6-7). A gospel driven by the approval of men, in other words, popular opinion. A changeable, socially acceptable gospel. And of these men who grant approval, Paul writes, “These people are zealous to win you over, but for no good,” (Galatians 4:17).
- Dying to self and living in Christ (Galatians 2:20).
- A calling in Christ and an invitation to serve others (Galatians 5:13).
- Evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Keeping in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).