Freedom!

Happy 4th of July!

As Americans, we have freedom to dream, freedom of speech, freedom to practice our faith, freedom after freedom after freedom. And yet, some people claim it’s not enough. They insist on looking at what is wrong with America and they miss what is right with America. They live in fear and complain and walk around angry and ungrateful. I can’t live like that. It’s small minded and short sighted and anti-Gospel.

I can’t live like that, not just because of the gifts I have received from this amazing country, but because of what God has given me. He has given me the freedom that lasts forever. Eternal freedom regardless of circumstance. Internal freedom from fear and doubt and worry and an attitude of lack. Freedom in Christ means that I no longer fear death but it also means that I have no fear in life. Are there things that go wrong? Sure. Do I face challenges? Yes. But do I have the gift of grace? Absolutely.

The Lord gives us eyes to see beauty and to seek peace. He gives us strength to face challenges and courage to stand firm on His promises. He gives us gratitude for our gifts and joy and laughter. He gives the beauty of His creation so we can marvel at the birds and trees and streams and mountains. He gives us forgiveness so we can stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters. He gives us kindness so we can extend a hand to our neighbor. He gives us humility so we can accept love from our friends.

He is good and He gives us good things. This is true whether you believe it or not. God doesn’t change.

This has nothing to do with being an American. God is for all people everywhere.

But this weekend, we celebrate the unique gift of being born in America (or maybe becoming an American citizen later in life). It’s a gift. To call it anything else would be to miss the point. You got lucky being here. You are blessed.

If you don’t see the abundance and freedom here, that’s on you, not on The United States of America. Put your fists down. Soften your heart. Take a good look at the freedoms you enjoy. There is nothing enlightened about being outraged all the time.

If you fail to see God’s grace, it’s time to look at your own heart and mind and ask, “How can I humble my heart so I can be in a posture to receive all the goodness He is offering me?”

If you are around people or following people on social media who are negative and angry and bitter and ungrateful, you will eventually be too. The voices we allow into our hearts and minds will end up being the voice in our head. Those voices will be internalized by you and suddenly that will be your voice. Take back your power and unfollow, delete, refuse to listen to the voices that make you feel rage and insecurity and fear. That’s not where you belong.

You are invited to the greatest banquet of all time. You are invited to a feast of riches. You are invited personally by the creator of the Universe and the eternal King. Say YES.

Stop settling for crumbs on the ground. Stop stooping to eat with the pigs.

Come home.

Your Father is waiting and He is preparing the party. He is running to you with arms wide open. This is no time for second guessing your freedom.

It’s your inheritance.

Claim it.