Freedom. Independence. The pursuit of happiness with liberty and justice for all. As a nation, we celebrate these blessings, knowing the cost to have them was paid at a high price. Many who have gone before us gave the ultimate sacrifice (their very own life) so that you and I could enjoy the freedoms we know today.
We have the freedom to worship God without fear of being silenced, the ability to express our thoughts openly in public, to gather in protest, or to gather in celebration. We have the right to choose how we want to live our lives while debating the morals, values, and beliefs we share (or disagree on) along the way.
May we never take this freedom for granted.
However, on a day like this, how foolish would it be if we only paused to celebrate the freedoms of a nation and the sacrifices of our fellow citizens? How short-sighted, if we ignored the greatest blessing of all.
The gift of life itself.
Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1
While it’s important to remember the sacrifices (and the progress) our nation has made over many generations, those details all pale in comparison to the wonders of creation we see all around us daily. The Lord, the creator of heaven and earth, designed all that is seen and unseen. He alone is worthy of our praise!
He who created the universe and the very concept of love humbled himself and demonstrated his love for us in the greatest way possible. He stepped down to live life on the very earth he created, endured rejection by the very creation he loved so dearly, and then gave up his life so that we might experience a deeper freedom than any nation on earth could ever offer.
The freedom of eternal life.
A rich and satisfying life that cannot be taken away by human hands, overcome by fear, disease, destruction, or even death. A life so deeply rooted in our Heavenly Father’s grace, mercy, and love that it will never run dry.
So today, as you reflect on all the freedoms you enjoy, be sure to acknowledge all the ways God has blessed you! Most importantly, we give thanks for the sacrifice of his one and only son, Jesus Christ. To all who put their faith and trust in him, he has given the promise, and freedom, of new and eternal life! Amen.