What Is Freedom?
“You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” JOHN 8:32 NCV
Many years ago when I was in the service, the Fourth of July was approaching. It was the job of my squadron’s safety officer to develop a slogan and put up posters discouraging drinking over the holiday weekend.
We had no accidents that year, and it was attributed partly to the slogan this guy came up with: “He who comes forth with a fifth on the fourth may not come forth on the fifth.”
What comes to mind when you hear the Fourth of July? Independence Day? The Declaration of Independence? World War II? When I think of the Fourth of July, I think of freedom. But what is true freedom?
Abraham Lincoln said, “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and, under a just God, cannot long retain it.” And we have all heard the great quote from Patrick Henry, “Give me liberty or give me death.” But, here again, what is true liberty?
The basic test of freedom is not in what we are free to do but rather in what we are free not to do! Today, I am free not to drink! For me that’s a very precious freedom.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father: I want to celebrate freedom in my life. Help me to openly and honestly deal with those things that take away my freedom to live in a manner that pleases you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
