Finding Freedom in Faith on the Fourth

What comes to mind when you think about the Fourth of July? Maybe it’s family cookouts, community celebrations, fireworks, or the American flag flying outside your home. Maybe you think about the sacrifices made throughout our nation’s history, the sound of Taps being played at Arlington National Cemetery, or standing for the National Anthem before an athletic event. For me, it’s a combination of all of those things. But as a Christian, the Fourth of July also makes me think about two freedoms I never want to take for granted: freedom in faith and the freedom of faith.

Freedom in faith is the peace that comes from knowing who you belong to and where your hope is found. It doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes easy or that we never experience fear, guilt, uncertainty, or doubt. I’ve certainly experienced all of those things. But my faith gives me somewhere to take them. Because of Christ, I don’t have to remain trapped by my mistakes, controlled by fear, or consumed by uncertainty about what comes next. My faith gives me purpose, direction, and the confidence that even when I don’t understand what God is doing, I can still trust who He is.

The Fourth of July has always held special significance for me as an American—and, admittedly, being a July 3 birthday girl probably adds to my enthusiasm for the holiday. Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and our nation’s separation from British rule, but it also reminds us of the values of liberty and freedom that generations of Americans have fought and sacrificed to preserve. Those freedoms are easy to take for granted when they are all we have ever known.

The same can be true of our faith. We can become so accustomed to having access to Scripture, gathering openly for worship, praying publicly, and sharing the Gospel that we forget what an incredible privilege those freedoms are. At the same time, we can become so familiar with the message of Jesus that we forget the incredible spiritual freedom His sacrifice made possible. Political freedom and spiritual freedom are not the same thing, but both should cause us to pause, reflect, and give thanks.

So today, while enjoying friends, family, food, and fireworks, remember the freedoms we have been given and the sacrifices made to preserve them. But even more importantly, remember the freedom found in Christ—a freedom that cannot be taken away by circumstances, fear, failure, or uncertainty.

Celebrate today. Be grateful. Remember the cost of freedom. And never take for granted either the freedom of faith or the freedom we have found through faith.

God Bless America!