Fireworks, backyard BBQ’s, community concerts complete with the 1812 Overture and cannons, parades and red, white and blue bunting – things that are part of our annual Fourth of July Independence celebrations.  We love to celebrate our independence and freedom as Americans, but have we lost sight of the real meaning of “freedom” in all our celebrations?

Is it possible that, in the “land of the free”, we have actually lost sight of what it means to be free?  The freedom that our forefathers fought to possess for themselves and future generations was a freedom, not only from tyranny, but a freedom to live according to God’s purposes and design.  It was a freedom that cost dearly to obtain, and demands continual personal sacrifice to protect.  Freedom without self-sacrifice is no freedom at all.

As followers of Christ, we understand that freedom is not license to do whatever we want when we want to do it.  We are now free to be what we were designed to be – conduits of love through serving others.  We are freed from the old nature that is consumed with self.  We are now free to enjoy a more excellent freedom – the freedom to love and serve. It is for such freedom that Christ, who paid the ultimate sacrifice, has set us free.

FANNING THE FLAME
If you will be celebrating the Fourth this weekend with your grandchildren and families, discuss with your adult children ways you might make this Fourth of July a unique teaching moment about the real meaning of freedom.  What does it really mean to be free?  What is the cost of freedom and why?  What are some family traditions that you could establish to make Independence Day especially meaningful for your family?

GRANDPAUSE: “Freedom is a package deal – with it comes responsibilities and consequences.” — Unknown