July 4th thought is "The Cost of Freedom."
Freedom, in the form of free will, is a gift from God that comes at no cost to anyone; however, it doesn't make it cheap or free. Free will is the most dangerous thing humanity was given. Jesus died on the Cross as the ultimate expression of exercising free will as the Son of Man, thereby providing all who believe in Him and His redeeming work on the Cross the ability to receive eternal life and all the blessings that come with such a life.
It's easy to forget that the spiritual freedom we all have was a deliberate decision by God to bear the cost, no matter what, to allow us to be free moral agents. This means we can do whatever we want, but it doesn't mean we escape the consequences and impacts of our choices. We are free, unlike any other being we know of. No other creature can claim the freedom to choose as we can.
To know Christ is to know true freedom. Jesus is the only way for us to be freed from the enslavement of sin, which often masks itself as freedom in the pursuit of worldly and fleshly desires. In John 8:32, Jesus says, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Holding to His teaching makes us His disciples; through this discipleship, we find true freedom.
Jesus endured more physical, spiritual, and emotional pain than we will ever be able to grasp, even with an eternity with Him. He gave it all for us to find true freedom, peace, purpose, and joy in Him. Galatians 5:1 reminds us, "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."
As we reflect on our nation's freedoms, let us not forget the hard-earned freedom Jesus came and died to give everyone. His sacrifice is the foundation of our spiritual liberty. Let's embrace the freedom Christ offers and live in the fullness of His love and grace.
Reflection and Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of free will and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Help us to use our freedom wisely, choosing to follow You and live in the truth that sets us free. Amen.
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