2 Corinthians 5:17
Independence Day
This devotional draws parallels between American independence and spiritual freedom in Christ, arguing that both required great sacrifice and demanding that believers live gratefully as those freed by Jesus's sacrifice rather than taking that freedom for granted.
Prayer and Singing
Independence Day
On July 4, 1776, political leaders who had been meeting in Philadelphia declared our independence from England. The document known as the “Declaration of Independence” was written and presented to that group. It was quickly ratified and now some 223 years later our country still recognizes this day as an important day in our history. 223 years of declared independence. Of course, not everything went smoothly just because there was a declaration of independence. It wasn’t that England suddenly decided that they had been waiting for us to realize the next step in our maturing process as a nation and then easily relinquished control of this land. A war was fought. Men died. Blood was shed. Freedom came at a great cost.
The Spiritual Parallel
The parallels with our spiritual journey should be obvious. God declared our independence. But Satan wasn’t just waiting for God to declare it and then easily give up the territory. A war was fought. One man died. Blood was shed. Freedom came at a great cost. Since the cross, the message has been that God wants to give to all who will come the gift of freedom—the gift of salvation. This free gift has already been paid for. Just as our freedom in this country has been paid for, so our freedom in Christ has already been paid for. But we must receive it and then conduct our lives as people who are indeed free. In order for this country to have freedom, it took the sacrifice of a lot of men and women. In order for us to have freedom in Christ, it took the sacrifice of one man, Jesus.
Taking Freedom for Granted
Even today there are some who take their American freedom for granted. They have forgotten the sacrifice of thousands and live as if American freedom is of no benefit. Less than half of allowable citizens voted in our last presidential election. They take our freedom for granted. So it is true with our freedom in Christ. There are those who take their Christian freedom for granted or live as if it is of no benefit. Some who have agreed to follow Christ do not act as if he is Lord. Some take advantage of their freedom only in times of great need. Christian freedom is not real to these. It is too many times an obstacle to their own desires and wishes. But our freedom in Christ came at too great a price to be neglected, avoided, or ignored. And while we have the best that this life has to offer, only what Christ has to offer is real. Let’s sing and be mindful of our freedom in Christ.
Singing
Sacrifice: Exchanging Ourselves
Freedom in Christ means that we learn how to live for the one who sacrificed for us. It is a constant struggle between listening to God and our own selfishness. That doesn’t mean that God wants the opposite of what we want. If we want a drink of water living for God doesn’t mean going thirsty. Just as Jesus sacrificed so that we can be God’s children, so we sacrifice because we are God’s children. Not to prove that we are God’s children; not to earn the right to be God’s children, but because we are God’s children, we sacrifice. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that we are new. The old has gone and the new has come. Before we needed to be reconciled or brought into relationship with God. Now that we are reconciled we help to bring about reconciliation for others. The point is we sacrifice because we are God’s children. We quit looking for ways to please ourselves and begin looking for ways to please God. We stop listening to the desires of our hearts for selfish gain and pleasure and begin listening to our hearts for the desire of God for his pleasure. This is an ongoing process and one which no one ever conquers completely. But it is an attitude of mind in being the child of God.
The Cost of Freedom
Interestingly, although July 4, 1776 was the day that the Declaration of Independence was ratified, it was not until August 3, 1776 that it was read so that the people of Philadelphia could discuss it and agree on it. You see, these men who gave our country such a valuable document were afraid about what might happen to them and their families if word of this document escaped too early. So they took some time away to let the heat of the moment subside before they read it aloud. There was nothing easy about what they were doing. They knew that what they were doing was probably going to change their lives forever. Some lost their wealth. Some lost their lives. Some lost their prominence. But all were willing to sacrifice for the benefit of many.
Living for God is not always easy. Sometimes we look for the quick fix and the easy solution. But real sacrifice makes a difference in the long run. Look at Jesus and his sacrifice and recognize the difference he made in this world and for eternity. We celebrate our freedom in this country. But the freedom that really matters is found in Christ. That freedom came because of great sacrifice. And like Jesus we now live in ways which demonstrate sacrifice as well. Let’s sing and then pray.
Singing and Prayer
Follow Jesus
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