This week our country celebrated our independence and the sacrifice of others. Traditionally, it is a time when we get together with family and friends, especially those we don’t get to see often.

For almost 300 years people have traveled from all around the world to come to this great country and pursue the American dream. We are a nation that values freedom.

Freedom of speech
freedom of press
freedom of religion

Our forefathers broke free from the oppressive rule of England because the tyranny was over-demanding. They wanted to be able to govern themselves. Once the colonists gained their independence, they created their own system of rules for living in America.

They wrote the Constitution to protect the citizens and the states. It ensures rights, prevents the federal government from infringing on those rights, and creates laws.

We employ the Constitution as the law of the land to secure our freedoms. However, freedom isn’t a license to do whatever we want and that is established in the Constitution itself.

Freedom?

Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint—we do have some freedom of choice. Freedom is a form of independence and most of us value the principle because of that.

The desire for freedom was indwelled in every human when God created man in the garden. Our “free will” needed limitations and God gave the first command to humans, “Do not“ eat from the tree of life (Genesis 2:16-17). Even before the fall (Genesis 3:1-24,) mankind had the tendency to make bad choices.

After God freed His people from the oppressive rule of Egypt, He gave them the 10 Commandments to help them make better choices (Exodus 20:1–15).

Do not have any other gods.
Do not make or worship idols.
Do not disrespect or misuse God’s name.
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
Honor your mother and father.
Do not commit murder.
Do not commit adultery.
Do not steal.
Do not tell lies.
Do not be envious of others.

Choices!

In Judaism, freedom or herut isn’t simply the absence of oppression; but also having the opportunity to make meaningful choices in life and stand up for what they believe.

Traditionally, the Jewish Passover (Pesach) is a celebration of the deliverance of God’s people from captivity in Egypt. It is accepted as letting go of fears and struggles.

The Passover celebration was celebrated by partaking of a sacrificial lamb to symbolize the spreading of the blood on the doorposts of God’s people’s homes during the great Passover of God’s judgment against Egypt (Exodus 12:2-12). Here we see the symbolism of a sacrifice for freedom (Deuteronomy 16:1-8, Numbers 9:1-5, Mark 14:12-16)!

Sacrifices?

As Americans, we believe freedom isn’t free. We honor and support our military and their selfless sacrifices. Beyond the Fourth of July, we have other holidays to celebrate the fallen who chose to boldly give everything for their country.

As an Army brat, I understand the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.

Family separation
Long and isolated tours of duty
Low pay
Physical and mental suffering
Facing death and danger

As Christians, we freely choose to suffer and sacrifice for the faith (Psalm 34:19, Matthew 5:10- Scripture 12, Acts 14:22-23). We are changed and charged for the cause of Christ; who willingly and boldly sacrificed Himself for our freedom (John 3:16, Romans 4:25).