Thankful For Freedom

I am always reminded this time of year (as we head into the 4th of July weekend) of America's independence. I am thankful for the soldiers who have given their lives so that I can enjoy the freedoms that we have in this country. Many have given the ultimate sacrifice so that I can worship freely, live freely and enjoy all of the other freedoms that I have. I don't take this sacrifice for granted.

However, I have to be honest. I don't know what it is like to live without those freedoms. Since I was born, those freedoms have always been accessible to me. I don't have the experience of worshipping in an underground church. I don't know what it is like to have my government telling me what job I can have or how I should spend my money. I don't even personally know anyone who has died for this country. I don't even know any family members of soldiers who have died for this country.

I am wondering if all of that has any affect on how thankful I am for my country and my freedoms. Don't get me wrong. I am definitely grateful for this nation and the men who have sacrificed for it. I just think...how much more would I be impacted if I had a personal connection?

Now, let me turn your thoughts to the freedom that we have in Christ Jesus. God's Word tells us if the Son sets us free, we are free indeed! Let me tell you, dear friends, I AM FREE INDEED!! This thankfulness, this gratefulness, this gratitude is altogether different. I have experienced being bound by sin. I have felt the chains holding me from all the peace and joy that was available to me. I have known the miry pit of sin that drags us down. I have been stuck in sinful choices, unable to break free because of my selfishness.
Not only have I lived there, I know the man who sacrificed his life to break me out of that prison. I haven't just heard of Jesus, I know him personally. He isn't a friend of the family. He is my friend. I have met the man who loved me enough to leave His throne in heaven and become obedient to death. He was perfect, sinless, and innocent. His love was so great that He became the perfect sacrifice to take every bit of my sin and shame and guilt. For a moment, I turned away from this love. I wasn't willing to give up my position in the miry pit. It had begun to feel like home to me. But He relentlessly sought me out. He reached down His hand to me and pulled me out of my helpless state. He released my chains and cleaned me off. He clothed me and fed me and threw a party for me. He taught me how to live...not just exist, but truly live!

So, I am truly thankful. There is a difference in how thankful I am because I know the bondage of sin. I know the prison of fear and insecurity and doubt and negativity and shame. I know the man who died so that I could be free.
So while I am grateful for this nation that I live in, it pales in comparison to the thankfulness I have for my Savior, Jesus Christ, my Lord. Praise be to God for His indescribable gift! To Him be the glory and honor and power forever and ever!