It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
Independence Day is a climactic summer celebration where we hone in on all the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. It’s great fun! But we must also never forget that the freedom that we celebrate came from and has been preserved through sacrifice. Our Founding Fathers and the many patriots who came after them understood how precious it is to live as free men and women. Many have paid the ultimate price by giving their lives to ensure that all Americans who came after them would also live in freedom.
There is a saying that sometimes accompanies pictures of American soldiers: “Some people wake up, stretch, and enjoy freedom. Some people wake up, stretch, and defend it.”
We should never take freedom for granted. We should always respect those who defend our freedom. And we must pass our love for freedom, and our desire to protect it, to our children. We have to be the patriots that our nation needs and can call on.
If we are to remain an exceptional nation, if we are to remain a beacon to the world, if we are going to successfully perpetuate freedom for future generations of Americans, we have to resolve here and now to take action in our neighborhoods, our communities, our cities, our counties, and our states, and pray that our country remains one nation under God, with liberty and freedom for all. That is what we celebrate today – the fight to ensure every human being has the ability to live free, as God intends.
Sweet Freedom In Action
Today, enjoy the fireworks and the lemonade and the hot dogs and potato salad, and resolve that tomorrow – and the rest of the year – you will be active in work to keep America great.