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“It Wasn’t Free”
Most of us have heard the phrase, “Freedom isn’t free.” It reminds us that the rights and liberties we enjoy today have been preserved through the sacrifices of countless men and women who served, struggled, and, in many cases, gave their lives.
For me, there is another important part of that statement: Freedom begins with God.
Scripture teaches that every person is created in the image of God and possesses immeasurable worth. That conviction helped shape the thinking of many of America's founders as they sought to establish a nation where people could live, worship, and govern themselves with liberty.
Not everyone shares that belief. If you are not a person of faith, I understand that this week may feel different for you than it does for others. My prayer is not that you feel pressured to believe what I believe. Rather, I hope you experience the same freedom that allows each of us to search, question, grow, and live according to our convictions.
One of America's greatest strengths is that people are free to make those choices. I choose to believe in God. I choose to worship. No one forces me to do either. I believe God first gave humanity the gift of free will, and our nation has worked throughout its history to protect the freedom to exercise that choice.
Have we always gotten it right? No.
Our history includes moments of great courage and moments of great failure. Yet generation after generation has worked to build a more just and free society. Men and women have sacrificed greatly so that future generations might enjoy the blessings of liberty.
Freedom always carries responsibility. It challenges us to make wise choices, to love our neighbors, to respect those with whom we disagree, and to leave the next generation a nation that is stronger, kinder, and more faithful than the one we inherited.
This week, our nation celebrates its 250th birthday. I choose to celebrate with gratitude. I am thankful for those who sacrificed to preserve our freedoms. I am thankful for the opportunity to worship freely.
Most of all, I am thankful to God, who gives each of us the freedom to choose how we will live. Freedom is a remarkable gift from God, and thankfully, our country chose (and chooses) to protect it.
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
God Bless, Brock.
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