For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another.
Galatians 5:13
As the 4th of July is approaching, the United States prepares to commemorate its Declaration of Independence.
Why do we care? For decades, this nation has been the hallmark of freedom across freedom-loving countries—the freedom, which God rightly bestowed upon all humanity, not just to the United States.
We may own something in this world. Yet, we never have complete control of these possessions. Anytime, we could lose them. We own nothing, not even our life. Anytime, death could snatch it away from us.
The closest we ever have to own is our free will—the will to decide: the will to hope, love, and dream. That is the will to choose in the here-and-now.
Let us not forget, that first and foremost, this freedom that we often proudly claim as our own does not come from our power and strength. Yes, heroes may have died for this freedom. That is so because they honored the giver. But, they did not carve this freedom out from their brilliance. Instead, they acknowledge the propensity of how freedom can make the world a better place for everyone. It was given to humanity right from the beginning when God created Adam and Eve.
Prayer
Father in Heaven, thank you for giving us free will. Strengthen us that we may use this to love one another. Guide us that we may use this for the benefit of humankind, not its destruction. Bless us that we may share this joy of freedom with the rest of the world. We pray in the name of Jesus, our King and Saviour. Amen.
I was stunned at how death snatched my hubby away, and left everything he owned right where he left it. So true, we own nothing. Encouraging writing…
Thank you, Donna, for leaving a comment. I really appreciate you sharing your personal circumstance. May God bless you abundantly. May God’s peace envelope your life.