The Fight Must Continue

Independence Day is a time to thank God for our political and spiritual freedom. At the same time, we must recognize that freedom "must be fought for and defended constantly" (Ronald Reagan). This is true of both political and spiritual freedom. This is why Galatians 5:1 reminds us to "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. It is also why President Ronald Reagan observed that "freedom is a fragile thing and it's never more than one generation away from extinction."

Just as order naturally decays into chaos, liberty naturally deteriorates into tyranny. Politically, flawed people have a natural inclination to either rule over others or be ruled by them. This is why Israel demanded a king, and the same trend has persisted in countless other civilizations throughout human history. Spiritually, people are drawn to return to the slavery of sin.

Jesus won our spiritual freedom, and our forefathers won our political freedom, but it is up to us to defend these liberties against the sin and tyranny that would gladly enslave us. The fight must continue. Furthermore, we who are able should extend freedom to those living in bondage among us, including the addicted, exploited, trafficked, and those who are enslaved by fatherlessness, ignorance, crime, and poverty.

Toward this end, it is our Christian duty to "proclaim liberty to the captives" (Isaiah 61:1), just as Christ did. We do this through evangelism and discipleship, but also by partnering with ministries battling abuse, addiction, and trafficking, and seeking justice for single mothers and fatherless children. In doing so, we help others enjoy the same freedoms Jesus has won for us.

Have a blessed and happy weekend celebrating America's 249th Independence Day! May God continue to richly bless each of you, your families, and the United States of America!