“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more…” 1 Corinthians 9:19 (NKJV, 1982; Nashville: Thomas Nelson).
As we again take time to recognize and celebrate this Day of American Independence, I wanted to take a moment to stir some thoughts about freedom. In particular, I want to get those of you who claim to follow Jesus Christ to take stock of the reasons why you value freedom.
In recent days, Christian activism has become the rage in our country as many Christians who, concerned with what appears to be a steady erosion of our Nation’s values and freedoms, are letting their voice be heard. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Like many of you, I love our Nation and what it has long represented in the history of mankind. In fact, I have felt so strongly about what our Nation represents that I gave 24 years of my life actively serving and defending the values and freedoms of our Country, both as an enlisted member of the U.S. Army, and as an Officer. I honestly believe that the United States has been a gift of God not just to the people of this nation, but to the world as a whole. Like you, I am also concerned about the direction we are now heading. Yet, as I watch what is happening today - the growing desire that Christians have to preserve our traditional values and freedoms- I must ask what the real motivation is? Why do Christians want to maintain the freedoms that this Nation has long provided? For what purpose will they use them?
I fear that the freedom that many Christians are moblizing and fighting for, is really about what it brings to their lives personally and materially. For example, if honest, many would admit that they are fighting to maintain the American way of life because they want to ensure that they and their children can continue to enjoy the ”American Dream.” But, what is the “American Dream” they’re fighting for? For most, it’s the ability to live successful lives personally and professionally - to have a good job, to raise a family in a nice neighborhood, to earn a decent salary, to own a nice home, to have things in their homes and in their lives that bring pleasure (i.e., cars, TV, stereo, video games, Blue-Ray player, etc.), to ensure that their kids have the ability to attend a good school or University, and then for their children to be able to pursue the same things for their lives and for their childrens’ lives. Some will also add that they want to preserve the freedom to attend a good Church without being hassled by the Government or anyone else.
Now please don’t misread what I am about to say, I am not against material things, nor am I against careers, career success, recreation, educational opportunities, or any of these things. But, if these are the reasons you are fighting to preserve the traditions, values, and freedoms long associated with America, I would challenge you to think about whether these motives are truly aligned with God’s heart for you as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Why do I say this? Because these are things that are about, and important to your life - but not necessaily about God or important to His eternal plans and purposes that He wants to work out in your life and this world.
Let me ask you - why is it that God established this Nation and so richly blessed it? Is it just so that you and your children could be blessed by having things in this life? Again, I am not suggesting that God is opposed to any of these things in moderation and in proper perspective, but an objective reading of the Bible clearly indicates that God has greater things in mind for this world and for your life as His child. Freedom is a blessing from God, but it is a blessing given so that we might use it to further His purposes - not just to bring satisfaction and contentment to our own lives! I must be honest with you, I enjoy my TV, video games, and the home in which I live, but I must also admit that I realize that these are valueless things in light of God’s eternal plans and purposes for my life and for this world. They are just “THINGS” - things that I can use and enjoy - but ”THINGS” none-the-less. Like you, I too am concerned about the direction our country is heading and the erosion of freedoms that seem to be accompanying this move. Like you, I want this Nation to continue to enjoy the freedoms of Democracy, but I want it not to futher my own comfort and pleasure, but ultimately to enhance the work I can do in a free envioronment for the Lord.
What are you doing with the freedoms you have as a citizen of this great Nation? If you’re using your freedom to serve and advance yourself in this life, you are squandering the freedoms you’ve been given by God. Don’t waste freedom - it’s a precious gift of God to be used to advance His purposes and plans, not your own. Fight for freedom - but fight for it for the right reasons!