“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
Galatians 2:20-21
We had just observed Memorial Day in the U.S. I had done a bit research and discovered that many countries have a similar sort of day - a day to remember those members of their Armed Forces who paid the ultimate price in defending their countries. Many countries, especially in the Western world seem to have two such days each, one in the spring and one in the fall - it is important to remember the sacrifices these men and women have made.
Thinking about all the men and women who have given their lives to give us the amazing freedoms we have here in the U.S. and in much of the free world reminded me of this week’s passage written by Paul to the Galatians church. You see, in my opinion there are two types of freedom in this world – one is the freedom created by the political systems under which we live and the other is spiritual freedom. Both types have been won for us by the sacrifice of others. Both types come with responsibilities. Both types we often take for granted.
Paul is reminding the Galatians that rule following or just being a “good person” wouldn’t be enough, that if following the letter of the law was enough to reconcile us with God, Jesus’ death would have been for nothing, would have been in vain. So we are responsible for living in His grace, not taking His death and resurrection for granted but letting His Spirit make us new and to live as Christ. We can take this lesson right into our lives of political freedom. When we fail to take part in how are nations are run, if we think it doesn’t matter what we think or how we vote or not vote then we take for granted the freedom we have and the sacrifices of those who fought for it and of those that defend it today are for nothing, are in vain. We might as well give it all away and live in bondage ruled by power hungry dictators.
This week I want to challenge you to embrace the responsibilities of spiritual and political freedom. Allow the Spirit of Jesus to make you know, so you can reflect His love, grace, compassion and mercy to everyone around you especially on the people you don’t like or who society says are unlovable – because those are the people Jesus hung around with. Take the time to get involved in the political workings of your nation. Some may be called to serve, but most of us can make a difference if we educate ourselves on the issues and candidates then use that knowledge to vote responsibly according to our good consciences. And pray for your leaders – they need Spiritual freedom too.
Don’t take your freedoms for granted. Don’t let these extraordinary sacrifices be in vain.
A Prayer
Father - thank you for the sacrifice of your Son. Thank you for the sacrifice of our nation’s armed forces and first responders. Thank you for the freedom that is ours because of these sacrifices. Help us to not take our freedom for granted, but to instead lead lives worthy of the sacrifices made on our behalf. In the name of Jesus, we pray - Amen
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