In the last week we have celebrated our national freedom on both sides of the border. We took time off work, got together with family, did some work around the house and yard, watched or set-off fireworks and, oh yes, gave thanks for our freedom.
For those of us who have grown up in North America, it is difficult to grasp what an amazing privilege that is. Freedom for us is like water to a fish. Most of the time we don't even notice it.
But what does it really mean to be free? Usually, we understand freedom in terms of what it means for us: freedom to go where I want, buy what I want, do what I want, marry who I want, work and live where I want, etc. But is that all there is to freedom: what I want? Is it possible that we are missing a crucial element of what it means to be free? The Apostle Paul in the Bible challenged our common understanding of freedom. He wrote: "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13, NLT) The essence of freedom is less about me and what I want to do, and more about you and what I can do for you. That is the kind of love God has shown us. "God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him." (1 John 4:9, NLT) Something to think about next time we see a flag or watch a fireworks display.
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