Cheap Freedom or Real Freedom?

This summer, Americans are going all out to celebrate freedom. There's the Freedom250 Betsy Ross Beer Glass, the proposed gilded 250-foot Independence Arch in Washington, DC, and everyone's favorite—the Freedom250 cage match on the White House lawn. 

Don’t get me wrong. I believe it’s important to treasure our freedoms as Americans, and to honor the sacrifice of those who defended them. But as Christians, we also have real freedom, and it’s important not to lose sight of that in the patriotism of the moment.

So, what is real freedom? The Bible has a lot to say on this topic, but let me boil it down to two themes:

• Freedom from…sin and death. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” —Romans 8:1-2 NIV

• Freedom for…holy living. “But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.” —Romans 6:22 NLT

Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously talked about “cheap grace,” that is, grace without repentance or discipleship. As we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, let’s not settle for “cheap freedom” either.

So, this summer, enjoy the picnics and the fireworks. And go ahead, dig out your old American flag tee shirt and wear it with pride.

But remember, whenever you take communion you are celebrating the real freedom Jesus won for you on the Cross, and the new freedom that gives you to live for him every day.

Image by CatsWithGlasses from Pixabay