Freedom, Sacrifice, Conviction

Today, Americans will be celebrating the Declaration of Independence. A holiday to focus on freedom, sacrifice and acting on convictions. Good values for a country. A great reminder of the gospel.

Freedom - “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)
True freedom is rooted in Christ. Without it there’s nothing but despair. The freedom He gives is the highest freedom, freedom to delight in His mercy and grace.

Sacrifice - “And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:17-19)
Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. We can walk in gratitude and humility knowing that we have been purchased for His sake. We’re no longer slaves to sin. All because of Christ’s perfect sacrifice.

Acting on conviction - “And Jesus said to him, ‘You go, and do likewise.’” (Luke 10:37)
Found at the close of the parable of the Good Samaritan, this verse challenges us to love as God loves. Christ is the perfect Lamb of God, without blemish, who loves us despite our faults. His ultimate act of mercy and compassion not only saves us but through the working of the Holy Spirit transforms us into imitators of Him. A Christian who acts on his or her Christ-centred convictions is one who walks in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-24) and spreads the Gospel, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:14-17). In doing so we share the mercy of Christ with our brothers, sisters and those who don’t know Jesus.

Today let me encourage my fellow Americans, and Christians everywhere, to think about the ultimate freedom we have in Christ, due to His sacrifice, and act accordingly, letting the Holy Spirit work in us. Our true independence day was a dark one when a man named Jesus hung upon a cross and declared, “It is finished.” (John 19:30)