Freedom
Stop.
Close your eyes and breathe. As you breathe in, say “I am free.” As you breathe out, say “I serve all.” Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Galatians 5:13-14
Reflect.
In his hallmark writing “Freedom of a Christian”, Martin Luther famously declared that “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.” He explained that in Jesus Christ, we are made completely free and serve no law, no master. However, because we know Jesus Christ, we likewise know that we’re bound in love to serve God and neighbor faithfully and constantly in all that we do.
In other words, we’re completely free – but we are freed for not freed from. It’s not about being freed from laws and expectations. It’s about knowing that because we are truly free, we can love and serve our neighbor and our God without any fear or obligation. In our freedom, we serve.
This week, Americans prepare to celebrate their Independence Day. Since the beginning of this nation, people have debated what our freedom really is and what it really means. Does it mean we can say whatever we like who whomever we don’t like? Does it mean we act only in our self-interest? Does it mean we owe nothing to the state, the community, our neighbors? Especially when that American is a Christian, how are we to understand competing demands on our loyalty?
These things deserve all of our attention as we approach the Fourth of July. We would do well to start with Luther’s reflection. While we are truly free in Christ, and know that we answer to no one but our Creator, that freedom releases us to truly love and care for others selflessly. We put our faith first and act in freedom, not for our own sakes, but for the sake of our neighbor who needs us.
Pray.
God, I thank you for this country and its freedoms. Hold me accountable to all who call this place home. Send me out in service and compassion so I can use my freedom to ensure all are truly free in Christ’s name. Amen.
Carry On.
Look up the lyrics to popular patriotic songs and hymns. What themes do you notice? What do they say about what we believe about this country? Our faith? Serving others? Which do you like best? Which lyrics would you change?