As we celebrate our Nation’s Independence on the Fourth of July, let us be sure to understand that it was not just about the freedom for individuals from another nation, but the birthing of a new Nation that would represent and stand for liberty for all. Those colonists were united in their pursuit of freedom and July 4^th is our celebration of their diligence and sacrifice.

Some people think of freedom as being free, but it is not free; it always comes at a high price – and usually the price is lives. Most wars are fought because someone wants to be free – and someone wants to thwart their efforts to be free. As we celebrate the Fourth of July with parades, fireworks, and family gatherings, let us also remember the sacrifice of those who before us paid the price for our freedom.

I cannot in all honesty talk about our natural freedom as a great Nation, without mentioning our eternal freedom as a believer in Jesus Christ. His obedience to pay the penalty for our sin with His death on the Cross of Calvary purchased our freedom from sin. As Christians, we are to be united in our pursuit to help each other to be more like Jesus every day. The greatest freedom for us to experience is when we learn who we are in Christ: we are a child of God, we are a joint-heir with Jesus, and we have the love of God shed abroad in our hearts – and that enables us to love one another as Christ loves us.

As we celebrate our Nation’s freedom, let’s also take time to celebrate and thank Jesus who helped birth this Nation for His Kingdom.

Psalm 33:12, blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.

Proverbs 29.2, when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

Romans 5:5, now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out (shed abroad) in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.