As we celebrate Canada Day this year, I encourage you to reflect on the freedom we enjoy as Canadians.
We are not a perfect nation by any means, but I am so thankful to live in a country where freedom is highly valued and where so many people have made significant sacrifices to ensure that our generation can live in freedom. We cannot take this for granted.
Freedom is a gift and a privilege.
Like how Canadians today received the gift of freedom through the sacrifice of our predecessors, the bible says that Jesus’ sacrifice ultimately paved the way for our freedom. In Romans 8, it says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
Our freedom from sin and death came at a great cost — the precious life of Jesus Christ. God was willing to sacrifice his life for us because he loved us so much; he did not want us to be stuck in sin. He wanted to break us free from the shackles of sin so that we may be free to enjoy a beautiful relationship with him.
But this freedom was not given so that we may live in any way we want. Galatians 5 says, “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.”
There is a purpose to our freedom in Christ. We are freed so that we may use our freedom to serve others in love; not to enjoy our freedom selfishly. How are you using your freedom to love and serve others?
