Wednesday, June 29, 2011

DISCOVERING OUR INDEPENDENCE DAY


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     How fast the time goes by.  Another birthday is upon us.  Some of our number here are celebrating birthdays around this time, but the specific birthday I speak of is in reference to America, this great country in which we live.  This birthday is better known as Independence Day.  July 4, 1776, is the day this country was born by declaring its independence from British rule.
     When you speak to people about your independence have you ever wondered why you never read about independence in the Scriptures?  I looked in several concordances and the word 'independence' does not appear.  So why is that?  I believe the answer is still found in the Scriptures.
     When one declares independence, it is for the purpose of proclaiming the breaking away from one power in order to establish an identity of sovereignty.  America declared its independence from Britain by defeating them in battle and proclaiming itself a new nation no longer governed by British rule or law.  New laws would be established and enacted and a new government formed.
     The Scriptures tell us we can't really be independent.  We must be dependent upon someone or something.  If we are dependent upon something we are practicing idolatry.  If we are dependent upon someone, we either belong to God or to Satan.  Lifestyle will determine upon which one we have placed our dependence.  Let us understand full well we can never be independent in this life.
     The good news is we can be free.  Often we equate freedom with independence.  Not true.  I have experienced freedom in my life, and yet I confess I am dependent upon my Creator, my heavenly Father.  Because I have chosen to be dependent upon my God, I have been set free from the law of sin and death (Ro. 8:1,2).  I have been set free from being a slave to sin by becoming a slave to righteousness (Ro. 6:17,18).  I have been set free from the yoke of slavery that binds others to ungodliness.  I have been allowed to live in true freedom because of the death of Jesus on the cross. 
     The title of this article is inaccurate.  There is no such thing as a true independence day.  Only a day when we choose freedom over slavery.  Have you chosen that day?  Are you living as a freeman in Jesus Christ or are you bound to slavery by sin?  Maybe a birthday is what you need.  Spiritual birth takes place at baptism after we die to sin and proclaim our dependence on our Father through Christ (1 Pet. 3:21).  I pray you are truly free. Our battle belongs to the Lord.  Rodger

1 comment:

  1. I love the way you approached this, Dad. Great article.

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