Freedom

July 04, 2023

"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." Galatians 5:13

Today across America is Independence Day. It is a time where many Americans celebrate the freedoms we are supposed to share. It is a day that marks the original colonies declaring their independence from England. While they were declaring independence, African Americans would be brought to this country and enslaved, and would be forced to fight for their freedom and independence. Today is a time to remember that the freedom that we have is not free, that someone paid the price for our freedom, and a people built this nation, even when they were not free. The Scripture reminds us, you have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. I encourage you as you to remember not just the freedom you have as an American citizen, but more importantly the freedom you have as a Christian. Christ died that we might have the right to the tree of life, and He died that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Since we are free in the Spirit it is important to live the mandate Christ has raised for us, that we have been called to liberty and freedom, but not to use our freedom in Christ negatively, but in a way to Glorify Christ. We are to use our liberty in Christ to serve one another in love. When we can serve one another in love this is the greatest exercise of liberty that we have. Christ showed His love for us when He hung on the cross and died, and we can show our love for others by being there for them when they need us the most. The liberty and freedom that I have in was paid for by my fore-parents. The freedom I have was paid for by Christ and I am grateful to be free. Since I am walking in my freedom in Christ, I have no doubt, "It's My Year To Get My Thing From My God!"

Prayer:

Lord thank you for sending Jesus to pay for my freedom. Thank you for setting me fee in you. Allow me to show how much you love me, but serving and being a blessing to others. In Jesus Name Amen.

Be Inspired, Rev. Dr. Stephen W. Pogue, Pastor
Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church
Mount Vernon, NY