Freedom.

Sitting here, my thoughts about the concept of “freedom” are racing in many directions, kind of like when a canister of beads is spilled out on a floor, tiny balls of color scrambling and rolling in every direction!

Further contemplation allowed me to reign in those scrambled thoughts and narrow down definitions of “freedom” to two important tenants 1) the kind of freedom I have living in America and 2) the benefits of freedom living as a Christ follower.

Coming off last week’s celebration of July 4th was cause for yet another year reflecting on past memories that surround this important holiday in our nation. Growing up in Saginaw, we were fortunate to enjoy a fireworks display at one of the city’s largest recreation areas, Hoyt Park. Dad always made sure we left in plenty of time to find a parking spot. Mom put together blankets to sit on and wrap around us if the air chilled. Mosquito spray was carefully packed in a bag of snacks she assembled. We joined countless families on the park’s hill, anxiously waiting for the dark of night to become the backdrop for the beautiful designs each explosion created. Those that came with a loud boom always caused me to cover my ears and find safety in the arms of my dad. Early childhood years weren’t filled with completely  understanding the “freedom” we Americans were celebrating; those lessons came along later as I advanced through school when classes on our country’s history were introduced, studied, and tested upon. Now that I understand the sacrifices and great risks our founding fathers–and those who served in the military–gave, I’m truly humbled and grateful.

However, there is another “freedom” for which I cannot find adequate words to express my appreciation. That’s the quality of life that I have every day as a Christ follower.  When I think about how different my life could have gone, had I not made some difficult decisions in my early 20s, changes of lifestyle, etc. I dare say I’d not be the person I am today. Christ’s sacrifice for the gift of salvation in my messed up life is one I may never fully comprehend, yet in simplicity I understand and accept the work of the Cross and its implications for living a life of freedom in my identity in Him and not the trappings the world offers.

In one of my favorite teachings from the ministry “Walking the Text”, I heard an explanation that expanded why the Apostle Paul wrote about men removing their hats when entering churches of his day. For years–and with no argument from me–doing so indicated respect and humility before God. Fast forward and we witness many church goers openly criticizing men for wearing hats in church. It took listening to Brad’s teaching about “hats in church” that corrected those criticisms. . Brad taught me that in Roman’s culture, which included owning slaves, when an indentured servant gained his freedom, he was given a blue hat to wear in public indicating he was “free”. If that freed man was a Christian and walked into his church, his hat was an obvious marker of his status under Roman rule. Paul used the hat’s purpose to teach that though a person could be “free” from a life of slavery in a Roman household, there was “greater” freedom as a Christ follower, thus removing the hat showed others the rightful authority and granter of true “freedom”. I love that! What a difference it makes when bad or false teachings are taught in a way to present truth that highlights historical and spiritual significance.

Galatians 5: 1 is a perfect definition for freedom–: “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”. 

Explosions of beautiful fireworks are behind us for another year. Trappings of the day have been put away. Celebrations focused on our country’s bountiful “freedoms” are most likely shelved, too, which causes a bit of sadness in me. In our ever changing world, being aware of increased tension and persecution of innocent lives, I don’t want to lose my respect and humility for the privilege of living in America. Above all, being a Christ follower for over 40 years is still one that requires daily surrender and sacrifice on my part as an effort to honor the One who gave His life for me.

Just as a child who had to learn in school about my American history, with equal importance is my study and discipleship in Christ. Both have value. Both teach about freedom. Both can be threatened. Only one can endure no matter the pressures the world tries to enforce. For that, I raise a hallelujah!