From Ed Healy... Freedom!

Freedom!

This article looks to the meaning of freedom we share as Americans and  especially for Christians anywhere because of the true meaning of Freedom.

On each July 4th, America celebrates its Independence, our freedom. Our freedom as a country is very important. I wonder, as Americans, how often do we reflect on our gift of freedom? Yes, freedom is a gift, a gift from God for as long as we live in His righteousness.

I thank God daily that I was born an American! America is, to me, the "Greatest Country" in the world. It is great because it is free. It is the country where peoples from many backgrounds have the same blessings shared like nowhere else. Many do not believe in God. But, I believe we are blessed because many more people in America do believe and, therefore, God blesses America.

There is much about us that endangers our freedom. But perhaps the greatest threat is apathy and indifference to sin. This is a blindness that leads to destruction.

(Proverbs 14:34) Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. (NIV)

Jesus dealt with this same kind of condition when He spoke of what true freedom is and where it is. (John 8:30-36) Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him; "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (NIV)

 Our freedom as a country is only for a season, but eternal freedom that really counts is found in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we can insure freedom for our country first by making the people truly free and thereby abolishing the effects of sin upon our freedom as a country.

 As Christians we need to reflect upon our freedom and restore within us the desire to make men truly free. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

"You can tell when you are on

the right road – it’s upgrade."