Freedom in Christ – Our Independence Day

Coming this Saturday, July 4th, Americans will celebrate Independence Day. We usually gather outside, fire up the grills, laugh with family, yell at our husbands to be more careful with the fireworks (or maybe that’s just me) and eat corn on the cob, ribs, potato salad – you name it. Many people think we are celebrating the end of the Revolutionary War. But put on your powdered wigs boys and girls – you’re about to get a history lesson.

Independence Day (July 4, 1776) is the day that Congress adopted, or accepted, the Declaration of Independence, which stated that the thirteen colonies were “Free and Independent States” and that “all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved.” What most people have forgotten or don’t realize, though, is that even though July 4th marked the day America stood up and declared that it was a free country, the war to see that through continued for many years after that. It didn’t end until the last of the British troops evacuated New York City on November 25, 1783. It took more than 7 years to be truly free from Great Britain.

So now let’s apply that to our life as living, breathing and free children of God. The day you became a Christian was the day you “signed” your own declaration of independence – from the troops of the enemy of God that occupied your life. And that’s awesome. That should absolutely be celebrated. Your name was added to the Lamb’s Book of Life the day you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. You declared your freedom and independence and that all connection between you and Satan “is and ought to be totally dissolved.”

But on Sunday mornings, as we gather to worship together, remember that we are still part of the war between flesh and spirit. Look at those around you. Even as Christians, we can take on the countenance of a battle weary soldier. And it’s no wonder! Every day we are fighting the attacks of the enemy. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour.“ Verse nine continues with this: “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (NIV)

The battle isn’t over folks – but that doesn’t mean our worship should be solemn and fitting to that. When you are in your home spending time in worship, remembering your own declaration of independence should truly make you want to stand up and shout. On Sunday mornings when you are gathered with your brothers and sisters in Christ, there should be an exuberance and an expectancy that our deliverance is in the hands of the Almighty God, King of Heaven and Earth. And while the battle still rages around us – and in us – we can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God’s promise to us is tried and true. He will deliver us. He will overcome the Enemy – He has shown Himself to be our fortress.

So stand up Saints of God! When the worship leader begins to play those first notes let’s do what Psalm 47 says – “Clap your hands all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy!” Verse 6 and 7 says “Sing praises to God; sing praises! Sing praises to our King; sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth, sing to Him a psalm of praise.”

You and I are soldiers for Christ – so when the time comes to gather and worship our King and our Lord, let’s rejoice knowing that because the battle is the Lord’s we are already walking in the freedom and liberty that is reserved for us – the firm standing, grace receiving, everlasting Saints of God!

May God richly bless you and your families this Independence Day – and every day.

Christine