The Fourth of July or Independence Day reminds Americans of their great freedoms. I heard a pastor share that a uniformed soldier once told him, “Don’t thank me for my service. Thank me for your freedom.” Something worth considering.

Freedom is a powerful thing. We, in America, are allowed many freedoms that others have never experienced. But the greatest freedom is offered to all people through Jesus Christ. As believers, we are set free from sin (Romans 6:18).

Freedom, however, comes with responsibilities.

• The Message version of James 1:25 says, “But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.” James was warning that true freedom is demonstrated in right living. We don’t forget what we hear. We do it.
• The Apostle Paul wrote, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). He then explains that believers, with the help of the Holy Spirit, should increasingly become more like Jesus.
• Paul also taught, “You, my brothers [and sisters], were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). He then clarifies that believers are to “live by the Spirit.”
• Finally, the Apostle Peter adds, “Live as free [people], but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16).

May we regularly recall what Christ did and what it cost Him to set us free. Let’s give Him thanks and live in a way that reflects Him.