“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1
Soon, we will once again celebrate the 4th of July. It is a celebration that is often summarized with the words: freedom and independence. We might say that these two words go together like – thunder and lightning; soup and salad; lock and key; socks and shoes; pen and paper; needle and thread; table and chairs.
To a certain extent, there is a connection between the words “freedom” and “independence.” As we think about the country in which we live, we are free from the tyranny of other countries exerting direct control over our lives. We live independently of other nations and seek to operate under a self-governing system.
However, the freedom that we celebrate as Americans has historically acknowledged a right kind of dependence. Our Pledge of Allegiance says, “…one nation under God…” Our currency says, “In God we trust.” And so, rightly understood, the freedoms and blessings that we have as a country are directly dependent on a gracious God.
The same is true for us not only as citizens of our country but as citizens of God’s kingdom. As Christians we may become a bit confused about the rightful connection between the concepts of “freedom” and “independence” too. In God’s kingdom, these two words go together but only to a certain extent.
This is to say – in Christ we have freedom from the tyranny of Satan, sin and death. For sure these three exist and seek to exhibit control over our lives. But in Christ, they do not rule over us. They don’t have the last word. By God’s grace through faith in Christ, we have been granted life to live independently of them! But on the other hand, the freedom that we celebrate as Christians acknowledges a rightful dependence. In the Bible we hear Peter say, “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Psalm 145:15-16 says, “The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand; You satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore (that is live in Christ; depend on Christ), and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
For as we depend on Christ, we are free. By depending on His word, we are freed from temptations. By depending on the Holy Spirit, we are freed from the weakness of our flesh. By depending on our Baptism, we are daily freed to live as God’s chosen, precious and loved children. Jesus says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Rightly understood, the freedoms and blessings that we have as Christians are directly dependent on our gracious Savior – Jesus Christ.
And so, as citizens of our country and citizens of God’s kingdom, we also see that freedom and dependence go together. They go together like – Jesus and forgiveness; Jesus and love; Jesus and life. Therefore, properly understood, we can say, “Happy Independence Day!” as we depend on the freedoms our Lord gives.
Pastor Tuma