Independence

We once more have arrived at the great celebration day of our nation’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Blood, sweat and tears were shed so that we can enjoy benefits such as free speech, life, liberty, independence, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, etc.

This year is unique from all other Fourth of July’s in my lifetime, in that many events have been canceled due to COVID-19. That does not mean that we cannot celebrate in different ways.

I thank God for the sacrifices made so that we have something substantial to celebrate every Fourth of July and in the midst of these uncertain times, we can continue to enjoy the foundation of freedom laid down by those who crafted the roots of the United States of America.

We are currently undergoing some restrictions to our freedoms, more so in other parts of the country than here in Montana and we do need to continue to stay vigilant (as always) against the erosion of our freedoms. But ultimately, as Christians, we also need to remember that everything here in this life is only temporary and our true freedom comes from God sending His Son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sin that we can be truly free.

Paul talks about freedom in Galatians 5:13-15. He says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”

Have a great Independence Day!