Around the patriotic holidays i.e. Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, there is a lot of talk about freedom. Some remember the american freedom's that were won or lost on the battlefield. I like the saying "Freedom isn't free". Lots of anti-war people think we shouldn't ever go to war. They forget that some of the very freedoms we hold dear (they hold them dear too!) in America are because we went to war on various occasions and were willing to fight and give our lives for what was right. I am thankful for men that have given their lives because they were willing to fight for freedom. When I see a man of service, I usually go to them and say "thanks". I know that sacrifices have been made. On another note, there has been a lot of changes in our society because of terrorists activity in recent years. Some are worried that we are giving away precious freedoms in the name of "safety". I would agree. I believe we are headed toward a communistic society where "freedom" will be a thing of the past. While I am very concerned about the state of our society, I am most concerned about the "freedoms we are losing (or have lost) from a biblical perspective. The bible has a lot to say about "freedom". Things like, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free". John 8:32; "Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed". John 8:36; "For he who has died has been freed from sin". Romans 6:7; "the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death". Romans 8:2. On the other hand, John 8:34 says that "whoever commits sin is a slave of sin". Ouch! That's not free! A slave is bound. I guess I would have to say that when it comes to freedom (won or lost), I most want to be free "in Christ". I can be free "in Christ" no matter what restrictions the government places upon me. I am hard on myself because I really believe that Christ has already made me "free" and I wonder that it doesn't always show that way in my life. I want Christ's work in me to be done, but yesterday! Thank God for His Word. Recently my pastor reminded me of Philippians 2:12 "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure". Christ's work in me, is a process. Even though it is already a reality as a believer, He is working Christ's freedom in me and removing those "chains" that bind me, one step at a time. I am so thankful that He is at work in my life and molding me into the image of His Son! "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;" Philippians 1:6
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