On July Fourth we pause as a nation to reflect on the meaning of “Independence Day.” The Declaration of Independence was written to begin the process of gaining freedom from being a colony of England and chart our own course as a nation. But freedom is not something that a person simply declares and it happens. Our freedom is something that was purchased at a high price. From the time of the Revolutionary War after July 4, 1776, to our war today in the Middle East, many brave men and women have laid their lives on the line to fight for and defend our freedom as citizens of the United States of America. Thousands upon thousands of those brave soldiers shed their blood and gave up their tomorrows so that we can be freed to live our todays and tomorrows and enjoy freedoms that millions of people in the world can only dream about.

As that old saying goes, “freedom is not free.” It is fitting and proper for us to remember and honor those who have given their all, not just on July Fourth, but throughout the year. They made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can be free! We also do well to remember and honor our brave men and women who continue to put their lives on the line so that we may be free to live.

It is also fitting and proper for us to remember and appreciate our spiritual freedom from sin, death and eternal condemnation. That freedom is not something that the strongest army in the world could obtain. That freedom is not something that we can earn or even deserve. It is the free gift of God who loved the world so much that he gave up his one and only Son who shed his holy precious blood so that we might have a peace that passes all human understanding and freedom that will last for eternity.

Our fitting and proper response for all that God has done for us in Christ is to live our lives in ways that honor him and bless others. We call that proper response to God’s love our life in Christ. As believers we, in cooperation with and encouragement from our Good Shepherd fellow members, freely and joyfully manage all of life and life’s resources for God’s purposes. God delights in loving and giving and sends us his Holy Spirit to empower us to also grow in our loving of God and others, and our giving of time, talent, treasure and any of the other blessings God has entrusted to us.

Blessings on your July 4 observance!