For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Merciful Father,

When the apostle Paul told the Galatians 

they had been set free for freedom, 

he wasn’t talking politics; 

he was talking about 

the rich, generous, and gracious 

freedom we have in Christ. 

On this Independence Day in America, 

some of us celebrate America’s freedom, 

but even more, 

we celebrate the freedom we have 

as citizens of your kingdom. 

We are…

Freed from sin and shame 

to bear the fruit of sanctification 

and to live eternal life as your servants, 

starting now (Romans 6:22). 

Freed to outdo one another in love, 

with honor, not slander, 

with hospitable hearts, 

assuming the best of others, not the worst (Romans 12:9-10).

Freed to serve God and serve others, 

not to use our “freedom as a cover-up for evil” (1 Peter 2:16).

Best of all, we are freed 

to spend all of our time, money, and energy 

giving glory to you, 

our  mighty and majestic God (Revelation 1:5-6).

Thank you for these truths which set us truly free (John 8:32).

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Galatians 5:1-10; Romans 12:9-19; 1 Peter 2:16; Revelation 1:5-6; John 8:32.