Next to Christmas Day, the Fourth of July was my favorite holiday growing up. Independence Day! Back in my hometown, we had a full day of activities. Beginning at 7am, we could hear aerial salutes, fireworks going off at specific intervals with loud booms for probably a good hour. Then at 10am, it’s off to our high school field for a circus and a particularly scary high-wire act.

After a BBQ lunch at home, we scurry off to Taylor Park for a variety of rides–ponies, jeeps, twirling carnival ones, all culminating in each of us being allowed one free popsicle that usually dripped all over the place on a usually hot and humid summer day!

Another picnic BBQ at dinner time included lots of family before we packed up our blankets and headed back to the high school field for an amazing array of illuminations, culminating in a thunderous grand finale! From morning to night, all that fun was packed into one day.

Independence Day signals freedom. Here in the United States, it’s our 250th! As Christians, we know who gives us true freedom. Freedom from sin. Freedom to live God’s way, choosing what’s right, as the Almighty One defines it. Freedom to be criticized for being a bigot when we’re trying our best to obey a higher power, rather than a bullying, god-defying crowd. Along with freedom to be humble, to listen to others, and keep our mouths shut, at times, for a change. Freedom.

Who gives us all of the above and then some? Jesus, of course! John 8:32–‘…and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ Jesus says that, and He means it. He also says that ‘…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’ (John 14:6).

Jesus’ truth is easily found in the pages of God’s Word, the Bible. But isn’t it amazing how quickly knowledge of Scripture has gone out of favor in our time? Considered outdated. Medieval ignorance. Narrow-minded intolerance. Yet it’s here, in the truth of God’s Word, where we discover freedom. The truth that unleashes joy, happiness, and eternal life. So, what’s wrong? How have we gotten so far away from the Lord? You tell me.

What can we do about it? All I know is to take God’s Word seriously. Getting His truths deeper into my stubborn and willful mind and heart. I need more of God’s gospel, His good news. Lots more. Only me? Don’t you wish. Get with it yourself. Stop playing footsies with the Book of Books. No skimming allowed. Forget my ‘Speed Reading Dynamics’ shortcuts. We need to put the brakes on, never being low-minded godless groupies, ignoring what the Lord has to say. Get it? Then, let’s get cracking!

You see, we’re free to follow in the footsteps of the Master. But will we take that step?

Lord Jesus, thank you for the freedom I have only in you. Amen.