Today in America is the day we’ve set aside to celebrate our freedoms. Mankind, especially governmental bodies don’t give us freedom. Freedom comes only from one source: “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'” (John 8:31-32)

Only Christ is able to give us freedom from our bondage to sin, because His Spirit indwells in us by our faith in Him. “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Cor 3:17) True freedom isn’t the right to do whatever we want, because our fleshly desires want to continue sinning. True freedom is when we turn to Christ and the Holy Spirit frees us from our evil deeds and the devil’s power over us. By His Spirit, the Lord has given His people the freedom to become His children (1 Jn 3:1).

And we are to live as people free from sin’s stronghold, including pride. “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Pet 2:16-17) Peter says we are not to claim our freedom as God’s people as way of justifying wrong or sinful (or “evil”) choices. To do so shows that we deeply misunderstand what it means to be a free servant of God.

The Lord has put in place families, church and government, and we are to submit to human authority willfully out of our trust in Him, knowing that He is in control. It is only when we submit to His Word and His example for our lives that we are truly free to love and honor everyone. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) Let’s celebrate true freedom today that will last, because the things of earth will not last. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Matt 24:35)

Father, thank You for the only freedom we have; the freedom to be Your children, unchained to the power of sin in this dark world. Lord, let my life be a beacon of light in this world so that others will come to know the only true freedom we have that will last for eternity. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.