Freedom

There’s lots of talk about freedom these days. I’m so grateful for the freedoms I enjoy.

But, in today’s culture, it seems the race to be “free” of all restraints is also rampant.  Many don’t want to conform to any constraining morals, values or beliefs.  That, to me, is the best way to become trapped. 

As I reflect on July 4 and the founding of this nation, I find many sacrificed their freedom for the greater good. As a matter of fact, people still sacrifice. They don’t always make it into the newspaper or TV.

I’m so grateful for the quiet, subtle sacrifices individuals make to give us freedom to live and love life today.  Here are some examples:

1. Thank you, workers who go to jobs day after day with no applause or attention. You quietly serve to support families and donate to those less fortunate.
2. Thank you, service men and women who commit to give their lives in the protection of others.
3. Thank you to men and women who give themselves over to the stress and strain of day to day challenges in order to help others. Your workplace may be in the home, the office, the school, the clinic, the hospital, the shelter, the church, the center, the garage, the factory, the streets… You have a high and holy calling.
4. Thank you to the parents who deny themselves for the sake of their children. Oh…the many inconveniences, worries and sacrifices you make, not to supply your needs, but to give blessings to the next generations.

True freedom is not found in focus on self. History has shown how we can get trapped when we are selfish.

I think God says it best:

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God…” – 1 Peter 2:16-17

Today, I’m contemplating how I’m free to share

the light God’s given me.

I invite you to join me.