The Fight for Freedom 

Freedom, something so important, often there is a fight for it.

July 4 is a day of remembrance for Americans. It commemorates events that took place in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was written and officially adopted, declaring freedom from Britain. Key ideas celebrated in this declaration were that all men were equal and have rights. Though the colonists claimed independence, the fight for freedom continued until 1783. Finally, at the signing of the Treaty of Paris, Britain recognized America’s independence.

Another quest for freedom came the other day from a little bird. A sparrow flew into our garage and simply could not find the way out. After flying high searching for escape, the bird grew more distraught and started panting. My son, Bryan, came to help coax the bird back outside. He stretched up with two long nets, trying to catch the bird in-between, but it always slipped out. The bird would not trust Bryan to set it free. We scattered seeds on the floor, hoping the sparrow would be tempted to swoop down and eat. Freedom, so clearly available, but the little bird could not see the path that would set it free.

Americans live in a free country, yet are we all free? Each American is under a bondage that is shared by every person who has ever walked the earth, except the Lord Jesus. Under the bondage of sin, everyone is kept from living a life of freedom. But just as our country and the little bird fought a hard fight, someone has fought for our ultimate freedom. That Someone is God.

Explaining sin to my pre-kindergarten/kindergarten Sunday School class, we go by the simple definition that “sin is anything you think, say or do that displeases God.” Romans 3:23 reminds us “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin separates us from a holy God. We are bound by the law of sin and death, which requires punishment. We are condemned.

In His amazing love, God made a way for sinners to be set free.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-4)

He sent His perfect Son to take the sins of all mankind upon Himself and bare the punishment we each deserved through His death on the cross. With the requirement of the law fulfilled, we can stand before God no longer condemned. But it takes a step of faith. Just like the little bird needed to trust Bryan for his freedom, we need to trust in God for ours.

In asking God’s forgiveness, we are set free from the bondage of sin. We have new life in Christ. Yet because of our sin nature, we are still tempted with sin. Again, God made a way as the Holy Spirit enters the life of a believer at the moment of salvation. He works to sanctify and purify each of God’s children. By the Holy Spirit’s strength and power, we are enabled to defeat the power of sin in our lives.

So, what about you? Are you free? If you have not taken that step of faith and trusted Jesus to save you from sin, I urge you to step into a life of freedom. With God’s forgiveness, you will no longer be condemned and will stand before God righteous. You will move from a life of sin and death to a life of freedom and hope. Call upon Him.

Many reading this already know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. You trusted Him and are free from the bondage of sin, yet sometimes sin still has a hold in your life because of your sin nature. You need to be set free from its tempting hold. I urge you to call upon God. You already have the Holy Spirit working within you. His power is greater than any sin you are tempted with. Step into His net of grace and allow Him to take you through temptation to a life of growth.

Freedom, it’s worth fighting for. God already fought the battle. He just wants you to enjoy the life it offers.

Happy Fourth of July!

In His Love,

Susan

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