Let Freedom Ring!

As we approach Pearl Harbor Day, freedom becomes a lively topic. “Let Freedom Ring!” Proclaim freedom throughout the land!

People in most earthly lands desire freedom from their tyrants, their landowners, king’s law and ruthless generals. The U.S. armed force have been laboring to defeat tyrannical governments and to establish “democracy” as supposed freedom and, more often than not, in failure. In spite of well-meaning intentions, the expensive endeavors are more blindly than wisely operated.

Freedom is not something that can be purchased with cash or accomplished and retained by human endeavors. Benjamin Franklin of Philadelphia fame was asked, “What kind of government have you given us?” to which he answered, “A republic, if you can keep it!” His answer suggests something special behind the real concept of freedom. Our founding fathers mentioned God and Creator often in their conversation and prayers but rarely did they speak specifically about Jesus, Savior, Father or Spirit. This suggests a faith in God in many of the nation’s fathers and common people, still limited in their understanding of the fullness of the Holy Scripture. Proverbs 29:18 reads, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint” or “Where there is no divine revelation, the people run wild.”

So what is the source of freedom? A section in Hebrews 2 reads, “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, the devil, and free (liberate) those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Galatians 5:1 also reads, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free (liberated).” We need to notice here that God’s liberation is for expectations, or actually moves the recipients of freedom to thankful living and service.

“A good tree bears good fruit,” Matthew 7:7. “Live as free men but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil, live as servants of God,” 1 Peter 2:16. It can’t be more clear, freedom moves people to serve God and their neighbors and to be excited entrepreneurs in all of their endeavors. Rev. Robert Miskimen Bella Vista