Sweet Land Of Liberty

Sweet Land of Liberty

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

Romans 12:2

After the battles of Lexington and Concord, the second Continental Congress realized that the possibility of reconciliation with Great Britain was fading fast. They debated the issues and then appointed Thomas Jefferson and a committee to write a document that declared their independence. After two weeks of writing, and with minor changes by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, they signed it, all fifty-six members.

Several defiant expressions of freedom were expressed in the process, including John Hancock’s signature, which was large enough for King George III to read without his spectacles. But perhaps the most dramatic symbol of freedom came in the ringing of a bell: the Liberty Bell. The famously cracked bell is no longer rung, but it is still revered as a powerful, if silent, voice of freedom. And it is enshrined for all to see with this silent message from the Bible engraved across its face: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10, KJV).

On this birthday of the United States, as we celebrate our political liberty as a nation, it is also good to think of our spiritual liberty as couples. That reminder comes when the bell of spiritual freedom rings in the collective soul of a couple. How? Perhaps the apostle Paul had something like this in mind when he said in today’s verse, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

The mind is the place of residence for our attitudes. It is also the central power station for making decisions. And it needs renewing every day. Our minds set us free by our faith or hold us captive by our doubts. And the best way to ring the bell of liberty that resides in the mind is to choose to let God transform your mind daily.

Is there something in your relationship with your spouse that needs renewal? Something that keeps you from being free? As you focus on spiritual renewal, think about how transforming the way you think today can give you greater freedom in your marriage.

Liberty is always dangerous, but it is the safest thing we have.

—Harry Emerson Fosdick