July 4th – a Very Big Deal
Of course it is. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. Fast forward to 2023, and many of us see this day as simply a paid holiday, family picnics, gatherings and fireworks shows.
And much of it was just that, as our celebration was early, on July 2nd, Sunday night. It was a “blast” – literally. Austin Baptist Church spared no expense in blessing the community and their church family with its phenomenal Independence Day celebration. Their vast parking lots were packed full of bouncy inflatables, rides, mazes, and food trucks.
The grounds had fold up chairs to accommodate those who came for the amazing patriotic band, Pastor Jonathan Spencer’s freedom message about the part we play in keeping our Country free, followed by prayers for our Country. The grand finale was an extravaganza of red, white, and blue fireworks that lit up Austin’s skies.
Yesterday (the 3rd), following Pastor Jonathan’s admonition, we fasted and prayed for our Country. Isn’t that exactly what God called us to do? “If my people who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, then I will hear from heaven and heal their lands.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
AND we attended the “Sound of Freedom” movie, a true story which is a must-see! Your heart will be challenged and encouraged. The actor, Jim Caviezel (who played Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ”), plays Tim Ballard, a former government agent turned vigilante who embarks on a mission to rescue children from sex traffickers.
The more July 4ths that I experience, the more I realize our freedom and liberties that came with a hefty price – the lives of many. Freedom isn’t free.
My grandson brought home a Statute of Liberty to me from his trip with his dad to New York City. A precious memento, but I think we could use a “twin” statute – the Statute of Responsibility. We get so obsessed with our rights, instead of considering what we are doing to keep it free?
Freedom comes with responsibility. We are responsible for honesty, good character, respect, honor, and integrity. Rather than our biggest concerns being what goes on in the White House, shouldn’t we be more focused on OUR own houses and homes.
St. Paul speaks of a FREEDOM to take to heart and practice it daily. Galatians 5:13 “For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong but use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Those words were bought with the blood of our Savior. Love is the answer to everything.
Maybe, on this July 4th, we should embrace that highest freedom: LOVE. Just maybe campaigning for THAT freedom would not only make our hearts for humanity stronger, but it would show the world what true freedom looks like.
When we aren’t loving, we give up our freedom. We become entangled in our own words and actions and then hatred overtakes love. When LOVE is the deciding factor in every debate, every conversation, every daily routine and practice, the outcome will be FREEDOM.
Yes, July 4th is a time to celebrate a significant event in our American history. But let’s also think about what real freedom means for us right here, right now. If we would use our freedoms to send out a little more love and faith, then our world would light up like fireworks that light up the dark…..everywhere! Let FREEDOM ring!