As we celebrate America’s freedom, most of us have traditions that more than likely include family, friends and fireworks. Picnics and parades are organized. People gather together in public areas eagerly waiting for the sun to set and the night sky to fill with dazzling firework displays. We don’t mind that each July Fourth is similar to that of the preceding year, because we think it is important to celebrate freedom.
Each week on Sunday we have an opportunity to celebrate one of those freedoms. We are free to worship without fear of persecution. Soldiers have died to secure that right for us. Mothers have buried their sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives on the battlefield so we could attend worship. Fathers have carried home the folded flag that draped across the coffin of their fallen children. We say we remember those who have shed blood for our freedom to worship, but we don’t really re- member unless we are living with the empty rooms.
How many Christians will honor the dead by exercising their right to worship this coming weekend? Who will attend church and honor the fallen Son of God who died to set us free from sin and death? Jesus died to save us, and others died to give us the right to worship Him freely. Exercise your freedom to worship. Go to church. Thank God for His Son, and pray for those families who have lost their loved ones so we could gather to worship.
“If the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Photo by Samuel Branch
Denise Larson Cooper has a passion for Christ and sharing His Word. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise currently works as a gymnastic coach.
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