{"id":530,"date":"2009-06-17T09:00:44","date_gmt":"2009-06-17T13:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mintools.com\/blog\/?p=530"},"modified":"2026-06-24T09:16:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T13:16:12","slug":"freedom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mintools.com\/blog\/freedom.htm","title":{"rendered":"True Freedom Takes More Than a Declaration of Independence"},"content":{"rendered":"

On the Fourth of July<\/a>, we celebrate our freedom here in the United States.\u00a0 The Declaration of Independence was signed\u00a0in 1776, formally declaring the colonies as free and independent states.\u00a0 That freedom came with a price but the benefit is still felt today, over two hundred years later.\u00a0 We demonstrate a loyalty to our country,\u00a0observing our patriotism by flying our flags and with parades, speeches, the pageantry of cannon and gun shots, fireworks, picnics and the like.<\/p>\n

Truly Being Free Goes Beyond Physical Freedom<\/h2>\n

Whether or not we live in a free country, we can still be free in a way that supersedes any kind of physical freedom.\u00a0 A price was paid by Jesus shedding His own\u00a0blood so that we can be free from sin.\u00a0 Over 2000 years later, the benefits are still felt today.\u00a0 No longer bound by sin, our loyalty shifts to Him.\u00a0 We celebrate by worshiping and living for Him.<\/p>\n

Part of the problem of being free, whether that is as a country or spiritually, is that we can abuse that freedom or take it for granted.\u00a0 In pursuit of personal freedom, we can offend others and stifle their freedom.\u00a0 We can become inconsiderate and intolerant, not thinking of the other person because “we have rights.”\u00a0 In reality, don’t we then become bound in our own selfishness ambition?<\/p>\n

\"True<\/a>You, my brothers, were called to be free.\u00a0 But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.\u00a0 The entire law is summed up in a single command:\u00a0 Love your neighbor as yourself. (Gal. 5:13-14)<\/span><\/p>\n

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block\u00a0to the weak. (1 Cor. 8:9)<\/span><\/p>\n

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.\u00a0 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers fear God, honor the king. (1 Pet. 2:16-17)<\/span><\/p>\n

Spiritual freedom is what enables us to properly express physical independence and live victoriously\u00a0in physical bondage.\u00a0 We have higher principles to attain to than “my rights.”<\/p>\n

Check out the Holiday Reflections<\/a> resource that includes a two-page discipleship guide for Independence Day that helps us reflect on the freedom we have in Christ. It also includes guides for thirteen other holidays.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On the Fourth of July, we celebrate our freedom here in the United States. The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, formally declaring the colonies as free and independent states. … Whether or not we live in a free country, we can still be free in a way that supersedes any kind of physical freedom. Continue reading True Freedom Takes More Than a Declaration of Independence<\/span>→<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-independence-day"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\t