Freedom

Happy 4th of July. There will be a lot of talk about freedom and independence today. That's an interesting combination of words. When I think of freedom I usually think of freedom "from" something. I beleive that freedom "from" must be connected to devotion "to". We celebrate the 4th because of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. It's interesting to read the perspective of John Adams on the celebration of the 4th. Adams spoke of the need to commemorate our independence from Great Britain as a "day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty". True freedom and deliverance can never be separated from the "Deliverer". We are wise to remember than. Too often we relish our freedom without sincere devotion, commitment and surrender to our Great Emancipator. I am glad to be free "from" all other things that enslave me. But, I am also glad to be given in devotion and service to the one who set me free. I belong to Him.