Freedom In Christ

Freedom in Christ

You have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

Galatians 5:13

How will you be celebrating Independence Day? For the most part Amish do not celebrate the day as we do. There are no fireworks, barbecues, or parades. Some Amish—especially those who work for factories and have the day off—spend the day with family and go on picnics. A few others participate in English celebrations. Each year, Topeka, Indiana, holds a buggy-pull race following the town’s Fourth of July parade. Both Amish and English participate in this race.

One article says, “Though Amish appreciate being able to live in a democratic nation, the liberties and privileges they are allowed and the protection they receive from the state, they rarely if ever engage in explicit displays of patriotism.” It is rare to see an American flag displayed at an Amish home. (They don’t display crosses or other Christian symbols either.) They believe their lives should be the evidence of where their allegiance lies.

Is that true of you? Can people tell where your commitment and loyalty lie? It’s easy to shoot off fireworks or wear red, white, and blue one day a year, but true patriotism is shown by how you live. It’s easy to buy Christian T-shirts and hang a cross on your wall, but true freedom in Christ will be displayed in everything you do. When you use your freedom to serve one another in love, your unselfish display will be as bright as fireworks on a dark summer night. When we are following Christ, we serve Him not because we must but because we can, and when we do, we are rewarded with His smile.

Dear heavenly Father, may my life display You in a dark world. Thank You for the freedom You give! And thank You for my country, which allows me to worship in freedom.