“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Freedom. Last week we celebrated freedom as a country—freedom from the rule of England and freedom to be our own country. We celebrate our individual freedom every day—freedom from the rule of Satan and freedom to live as Christ wants us to live.

The concept of freedom would suggest no restraints—physical or otherwise. However, as humans created in the image of God to live in unity with others, freedom in its highest state can only exist within the bounds, or restraints, of moral law. Even the secular Psychology Today states that “From an existential perspective, freedom and responsibility are inseparable. They constitute the foundation for understanding our experience, developing our sense of identity, and leading a purposeful and meaningful life.”

Even with all its flaws, I am proud to be a citizen of the United States of America. I am thankful to live in a country where we are free to worship as we please. Even when others choose not to worship or to worship in a different way, I am grateful that I still have the freedom to worship my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And I will do everything in my power to preserve this right and freedom as provided in the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

It is a challenge and an opportunity to be an evangelical Christian in a country where every citizen has the freedom of religion and freedom of speech. I have the right to worship as I please, and my God commands me to share the gospel. And those to whom we share the gospel have the freedom to accept or reject it. The challenge is to share the gospel in a loving way, modeling the love and compassion of Jesus, and praying that the Holy Spirit will open hearts to receive. We are to be bold, to not bow to the culture, and to trust God for the results.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

In Christ,

Judy