Freedom!

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. – Declaration of Independence, July 4^th, 1776 – Thomas Jefferson

Tomorrow, July 4^th, 2019 we celebrate our American Independence Day with parades, picnics, BBQ’s and get-togethers with family and friends. We are all blessed to be citizens of a country that was founded on the freedom and rights of the individual. Later, our U.S. Constitution limited the powers of the government with a representative democracy and detailed the checks and balances of the three branches of the Federal Government to protect our individual freedoms and rights. Of the many freedoms we treasure, but most of us take for granted, is the freedom of religion. The very first clause of the First Amendment states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof… I believe that the reason why the religious freedom clause is first is very significant to the historical founding of our nation, their current church/state culture, and in protecting the religious freedom for future generations was their number one concern. We are blessed today because of it.

In many, if not most, of the other countries around this world there is government infringement, control, restrictions, or outright persecution of the individual Christian and the Christian church. Most of the Islamic governed nations have either national or regional laws prohibiting Christians from proselytizing (sharing their faith) or having home/community worship services and turn a blind eye when mobs violently attack Christians. Outright violence against Christians is at historical levels in SE Europe, Middle East, North Africa and SE Asia. Communist countries, past and present, have tried to eliminate Christianity and the Christian Church, but today the church thrives in Russia and China although various levels of persecution still exist.

Today, I am reminded of how blessed I am to openly live my faith, share my faith, and have the freedom to worship with my Christian brothers and sisters whenever and wherever we choose. What a truly great treasure we have with this unalienable right to pursue life and liberty in Christ. Yet, like the vast majority of American Christians, we take this right for granted. As for our church attendance, participation, and support we often dismiss it, take a self-focused what’s-in-it-for-me attitude, or as casual spiritual entertainment. It’s easy to make excuses of why not to go to church. It’s easy to church hop seeking the most entertaining preacher or worship experience. It’s easier to sleep-in, go fishing, watch football, whatever and even work than be dedicated to your church.

I don’t want to miss out on the love, truth and freedom we have in Christ and the fellowship of one another by taking my individual right for granted. For true freedom doesn’t come from Thomas Jefferson or our U.S. Constitution, but from our Creator and His Son, Jesus Christ.

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 ESV

Check out current news of the worldwide persecuted church at: opendoorsusa.org and vom.com.au