This Fourth of July, you and I will celebrate with fireworks and picnics, what our founding fathers secured for us by taking it to the limit. They were willing to sacrifice their lives, their fortunes, and their families, to follow the call of freedom so that we could receive the abundance of blessings we now enjoy.
But freedom has its price doesn’t it? I was reminded of this as I watched the compelling film Red Tails this week. The movie is based on the true story of the 332d Fight Group of African American USAAF fighter pilots known as The Tuskeegee Airmen, who struggled, fought, and clawed their way to receive a place of honor and equality in a white dominated military bureaucracy in1944 during World War II
They were no different then the Pilgrims that landed in Northern Virginia seeking religious freedom from the British Crown. The particulars may be different for each cause, but the punch line is always the same: freedom from oppression. From the shot that began the Revolutionary War, to the cause of Martin Luther King, to the fight against terrorism, we are all stirred to action to keep, or gain the freedoms we hold dear.
The apostle Paul talked about freedom too. In Galatians 5:1 he says, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”
The type of freedom Paul is talking about goes far beyond the door of externals and digs deep into matters of the heart. We can have all the outward signs of freedom, equality, a right to choose, the right to bear arms, and a free country, and still be living in chains.
In Red Tails, the lead character’s Easy, and Lightning, were struggling to gain external freedom, but they still lacked the inner freedom Paul talked about in Galatians. Easy was addicted to alcohol, and Lightning was driven by fear and anger, causing him to live recklessly. There are lots of things that hinder inner freedom, take a look at the list below to see if any fit for you.
- Anger
- Fear
- Addiction
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Self-pity
- Abuse
This Fourth of July, as you celebrate the external freedoms we enjoy, ask yourself a deeper question---are you free where it counts? If not, what are you going to do to remove the chains? Here are a few suggestions:
- Identify your chains
- Take a look at the fears and beliefs driving them
- Decide to risk change
- Identify what your doing that isn’t working
- Make a plan for change
- Work the plan
Decide today to turn your problem in to a plan of action, then this Fourth of July you’ll really have something to celebrate1
“….Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
Love this – truly applicable to me with the chains that I allow to hold me prisoner. Thanks for this.
Stacey, thanks for your comment. Remember the christian life is a battle, but as believers we have weapons to protect us. We must guard our hearts by putting on the full armor of God daily and walk in truth. We wear chains because we believe lies about ourselves and about God. Identify the lies you’re believing and dare to defy them! Blessings friend and thanks for following.