Every nation goes through seasons of change. This election year in the United States brings a responsibility to remember who we are. And I, for one, still believe in this country of opportunity. Additionally, I’m thankful for freedom. As complicated and challenging as democracy can become, it’s still quite a worthy experiment. Matter of fact, Winston Churchill once said: “Democracy is the worst form of government – except for all the others that have been tried.” If that is true, then what responsibilities must we faithfully carry forward to preserve this country’s foundation? What is required of us to be worthy citizens, as well as followers of Jesus?

Lots Of Upheaval

Have you been following the news? Sadly, there are increasing threats against freedom around the world. At the same time, there’s so much individual and collective benefit from freedom! Right now – pause. Ponder good things and amenities at your fingertips because of freedom in this country.

Of course, every world nation has challenges governing their citizens. Nevertheless, one cannot argue against the value of freedom for individuals and nations. So, a pensive perspective, amidst lots of upheaval, sets the tone for healthy global community.

At this point, I’d like to weave some foundational ideas into our conversation.

Foundational Ideas

Recently, I reflected on the beginnings of freedom. Apparently, it’s a key construct of God’s original design. Regrettably, it’s undergone shattering onslaughts over centuries in our broken world. Subsequently, Christ came to earth to reconstruct freedom. Scripture says, “It is for freedom that Christ set you free.” (Gal. 5:1)

Remarkably, Christ’s life and death creates possibilities – for now and the future. Yes, Jesus lived and died for freedom. For justice. And for love. Consequently, we know God values freedom enough to die for it.

In a similar way, citizens can sacrificially stand for people’s right to freedom. In previous centuries and even recent history, some of our citizens have died for this cause. Now, you and I have opportunity to stand for freedom in daily life. Equally, this means taking a stand for issues that affect freedom.

I suppose if freedom is important to God, it ought to be important to us.

God’s view of freedom:

• God created freedom as a right of every person.
• Jesus endorsed freedom every day of His life.
• Then, Jesus fought unseen powers against freedom – and won at the cross and empty tomb. 
• After that win, Jesus offers freedom once again to all people.
• Conclusively, Jesus believes in individual and collective freedom!

 

So, maybe freedom is still critical for this country. And for the world.

This Country!

Have you considered how often we take freedom for granted? Consequently, how should you respond to freedom in meaningful ways?  Let’s explore five key points that help protect freedom:

1. Love freedom. God created and loves freedom. So, you can love freedom too, in practical ways: vote, get involved, be well-informed, speak against threats and division, support what is right, and enjoy freedom each day.
2. Stand Up for whatever God stands up for. Most people know the basics God stands up for: love, joy, peace, kindness, compassion, mercy, grace, justice, and of course – freedom. God endorses freedom. So, stand up for freedom. Speak up for justice.
3. Live with gratitude. Life can be hard. Interestingly, gratitude – which is a choice – notices good that’s present even in hard times. Basically, use your freedom to choose to be grateful.
4. Actively pursue God – God is the power under your life – under this country – under all nations. In fact, He is under all things and holds them all together. (Col. 1:17)
5. Celebrate freedom! Practice cheer. Be aware of freedoms you enjoy. In this country there are many blessings to celebrate. Be cheerful about freedom.

 

Your Life In This Country

So, let’s dig deeper into these five key points. Interestingly, they all involve God.

1. Love freedom.

As we said, God loves freedom. Subsequently, He gave you “free choice.” We already explored Gal. 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set you free.” What does this mean?

Well, God wants you free from sin and it’s power. Yet, it’s more than that. He wants you free to make good decisions each day, to be the person He created, to build strong communities and to help others.

At the same time, freedom requires integrity. You have both opportunity and responsibility because of freedom.

What can you do to exercise and preserve freedom with integrity?

2. Stand Up for whatever God stands up for.

We mentioned qualities God endorses: love, joy, peace, kindness, compassion, mercy, grace, justice, and of course – freedom. So, let’s ponder some questions to explore how to stand up for freedom like God does:

• First, do you stand up for things God stands up for?
• Next, do you exercise integrity and excellent character each day as you represent God?
• In what ways do you practice mercy over judgement?
• How can you respect other people’s freedom?
• Finally, have you adopted Scripture’s ideas about justice while still practicing grace and mercy? 

 

 

3. Live with gratitude.

We previously mentioned gratitude is a choice. Strategically, use your freedom to choose gratitude. Here are some things to consider:

• People who don’t practice gratitude become self-focused and stagnant.
• Conversely, people who practice gratitude have a freshness about them – a positive energy.
• Eph. 5:20 gives excellent advice – “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

So, how grateful are you? When things go badly, do you look for blessings and thank God sincerely from your heart? Realistically, are you trusting God to help in your challenges? Are you grateful for the great variety of people in this world – people different from you?

Healthy people practice gratitude even in small ways.

4. Actively pursue God

What does pursuing God have to do with freedom? Since He created freedom, why not look at it from His perspective?

First, God has your best in mind. This includes freedom to be who He designed you to be. God brings stability to your life – and to the world. We already mentioned Col. 1:17, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Another way of saying this is – He is under all things, as we already mentioned.

Second, the God of freedom invites you into intimate relationship with Himself. Close friends look into each other’s eyes, unashamed and unafraid – safe. 1 Chron. 16:11; Ps. 105:4 both say, “Seek His face always.” Unashamed. Unafraid. Safe. Incidentally, this also means being unashamed and unafraid to stand for freedom. God wants you to look freedom in the face and value it.

Third, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.” (Is. 55:6) Apparently, there’s a time when the opportunity to seek God will come to a close. So, seek Him now! Similarly, freedom can come to a close. So, value and protect it now! As a citizen, support it while you have freedom to do so.

Conclusively, I ask you – do you trust God and seek His face? Similarly, do you stand for freedom while you can? Remember: freedom can be lost.

5. Celebrate freedom! Practice cheer.

To enjoy freedom means being aware and focused. Yes, this wonderful country provides many positive freedoms. God intends you to live free every day . . . forever. So, in that aspect, our country is in agreement with God. Nevertheless, your freedom in Christ is not to carry out your agenda. Rather, it’s to do what is right and good according to God’s standards.

Freedom is a responsibility and a reason to celebrate. Be cheerful because you are free in Christ. And value freedom as a global citizen.

Do you celebrate freedom and practice cheer? Are you in agreement with God’s intentions for freedom? How can you celebrate freedom every day? Compare your sacrifices with those of our soldiers who died for your freedom. 

Conclusions

I started by quoting Churchill. Now, his famous quote in closing. “This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty — never give in — except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

Honestly, doesn’t this sound like something God agrees with? Blessed is the one who agrees with God.

Application Thoughts And Questions

1. How are you exercising your God-given freedom?
2. Do you care about freedom enough to do your bit for future generations?
3. How can you exercise integrity, good character, and preserve freedom?
4. Do you stand up for things God stands up for – and against things God stands against?
5. Do you represent God accurately?
6. In what ways do you practice mercy over judgement?
7. How are you using Scripture’s ideas to make judgements while practicing grace and mercy? 
8. How grateful are you? Do you exercise freedom to be thankful?
9. List ways you seek God’s face while He may be found. Do you seek to protect freedom while you have it?
10. Are you cheerful because you are free? 

 

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