How Free Are We Really?

Is it as shocking to you as it is to me that we are already less than a week away from July 4th?!  Time sure does fly when you’re having fun!  

This year, as we all reflect on how grateful we are to live in such a free nation, I hope we also ponder the deeper philosophical question of- how free are we really?  

Are we physically free to do what we would like to do, when we would like to do it? 

Are we emotionally free and not bound to anger, resentment, bitterness, guilt or offense? 

Are we spiritually free because our sin has been forgiven by our faith in Jesus? (John 8:31-32) 

These questions can take us in many different directions so let me just expound on the first one.  Is there pain, weakness or disease in your body that is keeping you from living the life you would like to live?   If so, there are ALWAYS greater levels of freedom that you can obtain.   

Could you take a few more walks every week?   

Could you eat a little less inflammatory food?  

Could you reduce your need for medications? 

Could you do a little more gym exercise?

 Could you lose a few more pounds? 

Could you sit a little less? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it means that you can become more physically free.  But, as we often say about America’s freedom, our physical freedom isn’t free either.  

It will cost you time, energy, money, pleasure and convenience.  It will take consistency, dedication, patience and sacrifice.  Sometimes it’ll even feel like it’s not worth the effort, but then, one day when you realize how different life is, you will realize that the promised land is better than you ever imagined.   

So, my advice to you this year is- fight for your freedom!  Declare your independence from the enemies of laziness, complacency, temptation, wrongful beliefs about aging and anything else that’s holding you back…and work to drive those enemies out of your land for good! You’ll be so glad you did! 

Your ally on the battlefield,

Chris  

P.S. Recently I had the opportunity to tour Philadelphia, PA and Plymouth, MA to learn about the roots of America, and all I can say is WOW!  Our nation has such an incredible story!   Recently I shared some of my findings at my church during one of our services. 

Check it out if you’re interested- Message About the Judeo-Christian Roots of America

**Just a note for the history buffs- in the message when I talked about how Britain invaded us in 1776, I said, “it was the biggest invasion ever” and what I was trying to say was that it was the biggest invasion up to that time.