Today we celebrate the independence of our country. On this occasion we remember the persons who declared our freedom from tyranny and established the framework of our republic. It is an important day to remind ourselves of the freedoms we enjoy.

In the letter to the Galatians Paul writes, “For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” In the context of Galatians, Paul is warning the readers that if they allow themselves to be circumcised, they are bound to the entire Mosaic Law. It is Paul’s contention that “in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love.”

Freedom is not license to act anyway we choose and treat others as though they are “less than” because of ethnicity, accent, sexual orientation, or any other external factor. The image of God is not confined to those who look and sound like me. The image of God is the divine responsibility placed on all of us to represent God in a fallen world.

A preacher, teacher, or theologian does not dictate Christian freedom. Christian freedom is not wrapped in the flag of any nation. Christian freedom is the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.

First John reminds us to test the spirits “to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” At this moment, our nation is besieged wth many false prophets. These are the screaming voices of the anti-Christ, declaring that they exclusively know the will of God and they are willing to enforce their twisted vision of Christian freedom on everyone with violence if necessary.

Seems to fly in the face of the teachings of the one we know as the Prince of Peace.

The New Testament understanding of freedom as articulated by Paul goes beyond rhetoric and incarnates the concept of freedom in tangible acts to our sisters and brothers, without judgement.

A closing thought for Independence Day:

For you were called to freedom, brothers, and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

This is the word of God for the people of God.