For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 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 servants to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. — Galatians 5
As I read this Galatians letter prior to our July Fourth holiday weekend, I was reminded that we live in a nation that was founded on a longing for freedom. I needed that reminder; especially as I experience erosion of some freedoms held dear by the majority of people in our nation and hear too many people use the word “freedom” as if it gives them license to do whatever they want, even as they bring harm to others.
This upcoming Independence day celebrates many ways we are free from one thing or another — free from British rule; free from parental restrictions as a modern young adult heads off to their own apartment; free from state-imposed religion, etc. But what are we free for?
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Paul, in the letter to the Galatians affirms that we are free in Christ. To be “in Christ” is a shorthand way of saying “to be awake to God’s Spirit in us by following in the path first tread by Jesus.” We are reminded that when we awaken to the Spirit with and in us, we know real freedom. Awake to our belonging in the Spirit, on the receiving end of God’s abundant love, life, and healing, we a free from thinking that it is up to us, we are free from trying to live like we are god, we are free from controlling and manipulating, from self-preservation and self-centeredness.
In this intentional spiritual path, we are less often consumed by the drive to survive, less beholden to fear and selfishness, and are freed for loving our neighbor, the stranger, and even the enemy, as Jesus teaches and models.
We are freed for forgiving. We are freed for compassion. We are freed for engaging works of justice and mercy. As some try to hang onto power by harming others, we are freed for ensuring that the vulnerable and the marginalized are healed and lifted up. We are freed for love.
On this Independence Day, I pray we live in great freedom — the kind that comes as we choose to connect with the Spirit of God who liberates our attention and energy to be given in ways that multiply life, magnify love, and expand justice in the world. This freedom is a gift to you and to me and to the entire world. It is freedom that sets others free. This is the best kind of freedom to have.
Tucson faith leaders, we would like to include your original sermon or scriptures of encouragement. Sermons must be written by the person submitting them, not borrowed from another source or writer. If you are a faith leader from any religion or denomination, please contact Sara Brown at [email protected].
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