One Day Till the Fourth of July

I'm thinking about freedom today. Freedom means so many different things to people. To some, it just means setting off some fireworks on the Fourth of July. To others, it means being able to do anything they want, any time they want, any way they want. Is that really freedom, though, or is it selfishness in disguise?

Let me tell you what I think freedom isn't:

• it isn't a license to do whatever you want regardless of the consequences or who gets hurt
• it isn't just a slogan
• it isn't just for Americans, although it certainly is for us
• it isn't to be treated lightly

Freedom is:

• a priceless treasure that costs a great deal, in time as well as in the lives of the men and women who fight to protect it
• a chance to do the right thing because you want to, not because you have to
• a chance to become whatever you have the desire to become
• not a right, but a privilege

The ultimate freedom is spiritual freedom, and the chance to live forever. That freedom was purchased on a hill just outside the gates of Jerusalem a couple of thousand years ago. Unlike the freedom of the United States, a person isn't just born into that freedom. You have to choose whether to accept that freedom. It won't cost you anything, but it cost Jesus everything. If you'll let Him, He'll give you a freedom that surpasses anything you've ever known. Just put your trust in Him. Be free this Fourth of July!