I know from your comments that you really like it when I write messages that include personal stories.  Because we are celebrating Independence Day today, I would like to tell you my personal story about liberty; however, I don’t have an interesting story about my freedom.  I have heard firsthand accounts from people who have had dramatic escapes from Rwanda and from North Vietnam, and who have now made their homes here in Middle Tennessee.  I have heard stories from my dad who fought in both WWII and during the Korean Conflict.  My own story is not nearly as exciting. I grew up in the United States with all the freedoms accorded to U.S. citizens.

My story, while similar to other lifelong U.S. citizens, is far from ordinary.  Did you know that according to Freedom House, only 39 out of 100 people worldwide live in a truly free country today, and this number is decreasing?  In fact, 71 countries suffered net declines in political rights and civil liberties in 2017, with only 35 registering gains. This marked the 12th consecutive year of decline in global freedom.

It may sound trite, but I believe it is critically important that we never take for granted the freedoms we experience as U.S. citizens, and I think that the most important of those freedoms is our freedom of religion. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution prevents Congress from making any law respecting an establishment of religion, prohibiting the free exercise of religion, or abridging the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, the right to peaceably assemble, or to petition for a governmental redress of grievances.  It was adopted on December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights.

The Bible also speaks of freedom.  Freedom is the opposite of enslavement.  In the history of the world, people in almost every nation have suffered from slavery.  It is abhorrent to consider that slavery could have ever been legal.  It is unspeakable that slavery still exists, both legal and illegal. According to many credible sources, human trafficking is the fastest growing crime on the planet, and second only to drug-dealing.

Many of us–I hope all of us–reading this message, enjoy the freedom of religion and other civil liberties. However, the fact is that we were all slaves to sin before receiving the gift of salvation from Jesus.

Regardless of any type of civil or physical restraint on our freedom, as believers we have true freedom in Christ. As Paul tells us: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”  Romans 8:1-2

Again, I want to say how critically important it is that we never take for granted the freedoms we experience, so what actions should we take to protect the freedom that we have as citizens of the U.S. and as brothers and sisters in Christ?

• If you have not accepted Christ as your savior, invite Him into your heart right now. Let me know if you want to talk about this decision.
• Express gratitude for the freedom we have as citizens of the United States, and most importantly, for Jesus’ victory on your behalf over the tyranny of sin, hell, death, and the grave.
• Take full advantage of these freedoms. Go to church.  Read your Bible.  Confess your faith openly. Vote, and vote responsibly for godly candidates.
• Take the initiative to protect others from enslavement of any kind. Actively support your church and its outreach efforts.  Promote the Mission’s life recovery program.  Support efforts against human trafficking.

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17

In the words of Jesus paraphrasing Isaiah:  “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19

Have a blessed Independence Day!

Blessings,

Judy