Freedom For...

“For you were called to freedom, siblings; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become servants to one another.”  – Galatians 5:13

For those of us living in the United States, July begins with the annual celebration of our nation’s Independence Day, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This year, we celebrate a special Fourth of July, marking the 250^th anniversary of this event. This holiday brings with it a celebration of our freedom as Americans, and the idea that all of us are created equal under God, with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

As Americans we talk about and celebrate our freedom to live as we choose, and as Christians we also celebrate the gift of freedom that we have in Christ, though this freedom may take on a different understanding.  Martin Luther wrote a Treatise called “Freedom of a Christian” back in 1520 regarding this freedom we have in Christ.  In it, he writes “A Christian is utterly free, subject to none.  A Christian is utterly dutiful, servant of all, subject to all.”  So, in good Lutheran form, we might ask “what does this mean?”

Well, it means that because of Christ and what he has done for us on the cross, we ARE free – free from our sin, our baggage, our past, and from the burden of ‘being good enough’ or ‘doing enough’ to earn our way to God.  Because of Jesus, we are FREE!  But, this freedom is not meant for us to just do as we please – it is a “freedom for”.  It means that because we are free, we no longer have to worry about ourselves, and instead we can freely live to love and serve our neighbor.  We are called to live free for a purpose – not just to pursue our own interests, but to share that freedom, that blessing, that gift we have in Christ with all those around us. 

So as we celebrate freedom in the United States this Fourth of July, I hope you will also celebrate and find joy in the freedom you have in Christ.  And may you take time this month to reflect on the freedom and the blessings God has given you, and to consider how God might be calling you to use your “freedom for…”

Peace,

Pastor Kristin