Another Independence Day is here! No, it is not a pointless sequel in an eternal sea of part twos and fives filling up theaters nationwide. I’m talking about July 4th, also known as America’s birthday. And while I think she looks great for 240 years old, this is the time for us to pause and reflect on the Founding Fathers and freedoms we enjoy. There is also a biblical message for Christians when it comes to independence.
Make no mistake. We celebrate the freedom that countless patriots have won with their lives. My job as a reporter would be nothing if not for the First Amendment. The same can be said for the ministry here at Engage, only instead of sharing the “bad news” of the world, we tackle the bad with the good news of Jesus Christ. It’s actually turned out to be quite beneficial. After all, one cannot defeat evil if he or she does not know evil. Meanwhile, someone has to share and embody the good in order to show others that this world is not the end for mankind.
During a recent conversation with a colleague, I was told that Scripture should serve to turn out hearts and thoughts to the greater freedom we have in Christ as children of God. He’s right, because if we have been planted together in the likeness of Christ’s death, we shall be also in the likeness of Christ’s resurrection (Romans 6:5). When we take this into account, we are no longer a servant to sin, because he that is dead is freed from sin (verses 6, 7).
As you take time to celebrate America’s independence and give thanks for the freedoms we still enjoy, give thanks to God for providing a means (Jesus) to escape sin. “Ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you” (Romans 6:17). Meanwhile, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ do not give us a ‘do what you will’ card. When we were made free from sin, we became servants of righteousness.
A servant is someone who is hired to do household or personal duties. A servant is also a person that is devoted to or guided by something. Are you doing your duties as a Christian Millennial? Are you devoted to or guided by Christ? Only you can answer these questions, but the good news for anyone that may have fallen off the wagon is that we all can get back on track. We have that kind of grace in our relationship with God, thanks to Jesus Christ and what His resurrection and service provide (Romans 8:34, 1 Timothy 2:5). We also have the freedom and independence to say these things not in whispers or behind closed doors but openly. We can also tell these things to non-believers. That, my fellow American, is worth celebrating.
