It
is July 4th! The birthday of our great nation, the United States of
America. Happy 236th birthday!
One
of my favorite patriotic gospel songs is Statue of Liberty. Here are the
lyrics.
In New York Harbor stands a lady,
With a torch raised to the sky;
And all who see her know she stands for
Liberty for you and me.
I'm so proud to be called an American,
To be named with the brave and the free;
I will honor our flag and our trust in God,
And the Statue of Liberty.
On lonely Golgotha stood a cross,
With my Lord raised to the sky;
And all who kneel there live forever
As all the saved can testify.
I'm so glad to be called a Christian,
To be named with the ransomed and whole;
As the statue liberates the citizen,
So the cross liberates the soul.
Oh the cross is my Statue of Liberty,
It was there that my soul was set free;
Unashamed I'll proclaim that a rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty![i]
I
believe these lyrics show how our Christian faith is intertwined with our American
faith. Where religious freedom meets political freedom. As a Christian, my
faith must be seen in all areas of my life.
In
Scripture we see that our spiritual freedom comes through living by God’s
teachings. David knew how to be free. “I run
in the path of your commands, or you have set my heart free.” (Psalm 119:32
– NIV) Isn’t this what we are all seeking? A heart set free? David shares the
secret. It’s up to us to accept it.
Jesus
also spoke of the freedom by following His teachings. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will
know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31b-21 – NIV) As
we study and implement Jesus’ teachings, truth will become clear. It is the
truth that will set us free.
And
one more passage from 2 Corinthians 317 (NIV) that tells us where freedom can
be found. “Now the Lord is the Spirit,
and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” When the Spirit of
the Lord resides within us, freedom is abundant.
I
am called to live a life that honors God because of the freedom given in America
and through the cross of Christ. I cannot take either lightly. Too great a sacrifice
has been given for each.
Revolutionary
War soldiers fought with great courage for what they believed in order to establish
a nation that offered freedom and liberty to its citizens.
Jesus
gave His life so that I might know true freedom and liberty. Spiritual freedom.
Everlasting liberty.
Today
I celebrate both. If you have not already enjoyed Christ’s freedom, why not do
so today. The angels in heaven will celebrate your decision. It’s the perfect
day for a celebration…there just might even be fireworks!
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
No comments:
Post a Comment