You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

Devotion

What words come to mind when you think of the Fourth of July? If you asked one of my boys, they would say things like fireworks, hotdogs, and swimming pools. As an adult, words like independence, sacrifice, freedom, celebration, and gratitude come to mind. As I thought about it more, it hit me that those words can embody the journey of the Christian life, can’t they?

The dictionary defines independence as the condition of being free from outside control, support, or influence. America was seeking independence from England’s multifaceted control. As Christians, we are intentionally seeking independence from the things that can control us as well—sin. When we surrender the old way of living in order to start new in Christ, we can live differently, just like America did in 1776.

Ephesians 4:22-24 describes this as putting off your old self—which is being corrupted by deceitful desires—and being made new in your attitudes and actions. Sacrifice is realizing the value in fighting for something bigger than ourselves, no matter the cost—the greater good as we sometimes call it. Caring for the vulnerable (Hebrews 13:16), laying one’s life down for a friend (John 15:13), and even forfeiting our own selfish will and desires (Psalm 51:16-17) are all examples of sacrifice in the Christian journey. We give up the familiar and safe for the promise of a better tomorrow. Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross to show us that love wins when we make sacrifices for the sake of others.

As believers, we know true freedom is only found in Christ. The Bible explicitly shows us this fundamental fact! John 8:36 states, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Galatians 5:1 reads, “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.” Over and over again we are reminded that freedom is the power to live without external restraint. It means we can have peace when the world is chaotic. It means we find joy, even when sadness abounds. It means we have hope in a better tomorrow, no matter what tomorrow may bring. We find our freedom by leaning on and trusting in Jesus.

We can celebrate the ideas of independence, sacrifice, and freedom as both patriotic Americans and as followers of the one true God. Just like we are thankful for our sacred nation, we can be filled with gratitude for the blessings we have in Jesus. May we continuously celebrate Christ’s sacrifice that grants us our spiritual freedom.

PRAYER

Jesus, thank you for making us free from sin through your sacrifice. Thank you for allowing us to live out your light in a free country without fear of punishment. Thank you for loving us along this journey! May we never forget that freedom is not free, but a result of the ultimate sacrifice. We love you Lord, in Jesus name we pray, amen!

Cat Orozco-Christmas
Site & Security Coordinator

Resources:

Watch Freedom from Pastor Bill Search.

Listen to At The Cross by Crossings Sanctuary Worship.

Explore other devotions like this one any time at crossings.church/devotions .