So also we, when we were minors, were enslaved under the basic forces of the world. But when the appropriate time had come, God sent out his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we may be adopted as sons with full rights. And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, who calls “Abba! Father!”
So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if you are a son, then you are also an heir through God. Formerly when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods at all.
But now that you have come to know God (or rather to be known by God), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless basic forces? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?
So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if you are a son, then you are also an heir through God. Formerly when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods at all.
But now that you have come to know God (or rather to be known by God), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless basic forces? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?
(Gal. 4:3-9 NET)
I sit here in my office at home on the afternoon of July 4th, pondering the state of our nation today. So many things bother me about the tremendous changes in our society today, but one of my greatest fears about our nation is the lack of understanding among our young people (and many of our older folks) about how great this nation really is. The freedoms that we have today have been bought with a heavy price. No nation in the history of man has the freedoms that we currently have in this country. Yet, so many wrongly believe that our nation is evil and unfair. No, it’s not perfect, but no country will be until we reach the one that God has prepared for us.
There are so many complaining and whining that the government should take care of them and all their problems. They are never satisfied. They have forgotten the history of this nation and how totally different it was and is from any other nation that has ever existed. We have the freedom to live and worship the way we want.
The freedoms that we experience today are not always appreciated or even acknowledged. In fact, many people want to go back to a system that the government takes care of us from the cradle to the grave. They foolishly believe that taking away our freedoms somehow will make them more free.
Isn’t that just like us as Christians? Christ has made us His children and His heirs to the Kingdom of God. He gave His life so that we would be free from sin from the slavery of sin. We are free from the worries of this life, knowing of the forever life that is to come. We no longer have anything to fear from death!
Yet, many Christians are complaining and whining that they aren’t being taken care of. They blame their problems on others and even God Himself, while never taking responsibility for their own sin. In fact, they crave for more freedom… the freedom to sin and not be held accountable.They desire a life that God freed them from…. a life of slavery to sin.
They foolishly believe that taking away the freedom that God gave us will somehow make us more free. It doesn’t make sense, does it?
Read the verses at the beginning again. When you begin to desire to follow after this world’s sinful ways, ask yourself this, “Now that I have come to know God, why would I ever go back to the hopeless, helpless and sinful life that I had before? Do I really want to be enslaved again to them?”
It is time to really appreciate what this nation has done for us. It is time to fully understand what God has set us free from. It is time to enjoy the freedom that God has given us, instead of moaning and complaining that there is a better life out there. There isn’t. It’s a lie. When God frees you, you are free indeed!
Happy Fourth of July
Bro. Randy