“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery…you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:1 & 13 BSB)
“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.” (Hebrews 2:14-15 NLT)
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” (Romans 8:1-2 NLT)
Today I pause from my daily routine to remember those who have sacrificed for my freedom. The freedom that I so abundantly enjoy came at a great price to men and women who willingly laid down their lives in service to our Great Nation. I salute each and every one of you. Thank God for your sacrifice!
I also pause today to thank the Creator of the universe for setting aside His freedom to come to this planet and make the ultimate sacrifice for my eternal freedom. Jesus willingly set aside His position as the Son of God, to become the Son of Man, and laid down His life for me. He went to the cross to pay the penalty for my sin and rose again to give me eternal life.Thank you Jesus!
The first question of the day is, “What am I going to do with the freedom that has been given to me?” As a citizen of the United States of America, am I going to exercise my freedom in a way that tears down this great Nation? Am I going to focus on the flaws in such a way that I become destructive and irresponsible with the gift that I have received at the cost of those who laid down their lives? Or am I going to recognize that even as an imperfect Country we are still the greatest Nation on the face of the Earth?
The second, and in my opinion, more important question of the day is, “What am I going to do with the eternal freedom that I was given through the death, burial, and resurrection of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?” As a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven, am I going to use it for my own selfish motives? Or am I going to share the gift of life with those all around me?
As I ponder those questions, I will remember…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 17: “Freedom is not free. (Thank you to those who paid the price!)”