Next to Christmas, Thanksgiving, and the New Year; Independence Day is my favorite holiday. For years now our family has gone to our local Rec Center to watch fireworks. We make a night of it by having a picnic dinner, playing games, eating ice cream, and enjoying the great outdoors.

As I’ve gotten older and understand more I’ve realized that there’s more to Independence Day than a picnic dinner and Fireworks. Now, there’s nothing wrong with either of those. But Freedom is more than just a big party and a chance to do whatever we want without having to pay the consequences.

Freedom isn’t free.

For everything in life there is a cost. Sometimes it may be monetary. Other things may cost us our valuable time, or even our lives. However nothing is ever truly free; everything cost something.

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use your liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
~Galatians 5:13

The freedom America experiences day in and day out was won by the courageous acts of our Founding Fathers and protected by the millions who’ve fought and died through the years. Just as people sacrificed for the freedom America holds dear Someone sacrificed everything to give us that opportunity. America wouldn’t be the Nation that it is today without the guiding and loving hand of God watching over us and protecting us.

Humanity wouldn’t have the hope that we do if Jesus hadn’t come to be among us and give His life for sinners. For all of us–for all fall short (Romans 3:23). Jesus came to this earth with one purpose in mind. To die for humanity so that we could be free (John 8:32). Be free from what you ask? Free from the suffocating yoke of sin in our lives, free from our past, and free to be close to God.

This freedom that we can experience came at a high cost. Jesus left Heaven to come to earth and DIE a horrific death on the cross (John 3:16). Yes we have an immense amount of freedom. But we weren’t given that freedom to abuse it and do whatever we want. NO! We now give of ourselves to the One who gave His all for us (2 Corinthians 5:15).

Freedom comes with many blessings that we can enjoy; but we must not forget the cost with which it was bought. As you reflect on your many blessings over the next few days don’t forget to thank God for the blessings that He’s given!

Happy Independence Day!

Until next time,

Bailey Sue