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July 4th is celebrated each year in America to commemorate America’s freedom from the tyranny of British rule and its declaration to self-government. It was on July 4th, 1776, that members of the continental congress met in Philadelphia to adopt the Declaration of Independence.
Those who signed this document showed great courage, since signing it was an act of treason to the British Crown, and punishable by death. There is a price to pay for freedom.
Though the 13 colonies declared themselves free from British rule in 1776, their freedom did not follow immediately; instead, the War of Independence, also known as the Revolutionary War, followed. True freedom came at the end of the Revolutionary War.
Many died so that America could be free from the tyranny of the British crown.
Freedom is defined as the power to exercise one’s convictions and rights without externally imposed restraints. There are very few countries around the world where freedom is both expressed and enjoyed as it is in America. Many men and women have risked their lives and reputation to achieve the gift of freedom that we now enjoy. However, many today take this gift of freedom for granted.
What does this mean? Freedom is taken for granted when it is not exercised. When people who have been set free choose to remain in bondage, they demonstrate a lack of appreciation for the price that was paid for their freedom.
Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ paid a dear price so we could be free from the bondage of sin and the tyranny of the devil. However, 2,000 years later, many have still not found that freedom, and some who have are not exercising it.
One of the great benefits of a free society is the freedom to worship and serve God. Living in a free society gives us the right to worship and serve Him as we see fit. Coming into a relationship with God and serving Him is actually where true freedom is found.
Did you know that you are free to worship and serve God through your workplace or marketplace assignment? Do you know your career or vocation can be an expression of your faith and conviction?
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
But - what is freedom if you do not exercise it? Many of us, though free, are still bound by the fear of rejection, persecution, and intimidation. We go to church on Sunday, but are ashamed of God on Monday. We pray in our homes but not in our offices. We share our conviction with our Christian friends, but not with our non-Christian co-workers.
My friend, you are not truly free unless you are able to express your inner convictions and beliefs in every aspect of your life. From today, make the determination to express your freedom in Christ fully through your worship and service, not just on Sunday, but wherever you are found during the week.
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. - Romans 12:1 (NASB)
My prayer for you today is that you will be able to express your beliefs and spirituality every day, rising above any rejection or intimidation that you may feel to worship and serve the King of Kings with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.
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