Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

As America celebrates their independence I am reminded of the only freedom that carries over after death and that is salvation. This is a freedom that is often scoffed and ridiculed because of how it was secured. Many cannot understand why a divine being would want to sacrifice Himself for imperfect and wretched people like us. Moreover, cannot wrap their minds around Jesus coming lowly and not lofty. In a world centered around who has the best car or house before the age of 25, it is quite difficult to understand a royal God not coming in a royal fashion.

We want the glitz and refuse the grit while forfeiting the everlasting glory that comes with salvation. Yes, Jesus came humbly to be our example of how we should live out our independence in Christ. He exemplified what it means for our treasures to be stored in Heaven where there is no corruption oppose to solely focusing on what we can gain while on earth. There is a narrative that those in Christ live a confined life but it is quite the contrary. We live a refined life – a life worth living. God is offering a life not ruled by fleshly desires and instability. We see far too often the rich lifestyles portrayed online and lust after lavishness but ignore how those same people are imprisoned by the very wealth that should be providing a form of freedom.

They have freedom to shop but no peace of mind. Sure, they have equity but lack the freedom of unspeakable joy – the joy that doesn’t come from material possesions. It was never God’s intent for us to be consumed with worldly pleasures. He gave us things to enjoy but they were never meant to lord over us and imprison us financially, mentally, or emotionally. As our focal verse reinstates, that we should not entangle ourselves again with yoke of bondage now being free in Christ. There are people physically incarcerated but inherit an eternal freedom and others who are free in the natural sense but perilously bound spiritually.

God wants us to understand that life is more than what the natural eye can see and the limited human experience we have here on earth. Yes, we are grateful for what was fought for us by our ancestors, those who gave their lives in war, and realize there is still an ongoing fight for equality in our homeland. Even with that knowledge and understanding, it is imperative that we don’t forget that we must share the true freedom in Christ with others. We were set free to help others get free and experience the eternal liberty only found in Christ.