The R.O.C.K. Club Wants Us All to Realize Our Blessings
It is truly a blessing to be celebrating our freedom that we own here in the United States of America. Many times, we unfortunately take it for granted, or may even be callous toward it. But many people sacrificed much to provide it for us. As July dawns, we will celebrate this freedom on Independence Day. Honestly, we as Americans should celebrate it all of the time. “Liberty is too precious a thing to be buried in books,” said the late actor Jimmy Stewart in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” “Men should hold it up in front of them every single day of their lives and say, ‘I’m free. To think and to speak. My ancestors couldn’t. I can. And my children will.’”
But there is an even greater freedom that all people can have, no matter where they live. It is a freedom available to all men, purchased by sacrifice, too. It is the freedom that we can find in Jesus.
The R.O.C.K. Club in Radford, VA, wants us all to appreciate our freedoms. Let’s look a little closer at and celebrate both our national and spiritual freedoms.
Our Freedom in the United States
What does freedom mean to us as citizens of the United States? The dictionary defines “freedom” as “the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants, without hindrance or restraint.” That is exactly it, but it is so much more than static words in a book. It’s dynamic.
Founding father Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence that we have undeniable rights. We are endowed by God, Jefferson wrote, “with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Our freedom is in being who we want to be; we are not determined and held to some lower class. We can think for ourselves and voice our opinion. No one can force us to join a national religion. We can pick our governmental representatives by vote. Americans can hold those same representatives accountable. We are us, not pawns beholden to a monarchy or ruling class. That freedom is worth celebrating every day of our lives!
Our Freedom in and Through Jesus Christ
As we mentioned earlier, there is an even greater freedom available to all of us. President Ronald Reagan once said, “(National) freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. … It must be fought for, protected, and handed on (to our children).” But even if our national freedom disappears, this greater freedom will never leave us. This is the spiritual freedom that we can find in Jesus.
This freedom was through a sacrifice. Jesus, the Son of God, left Heaven, became a man, and died on the cross to take our punishment for our sins. By trusting Him as our Savior, we can find spiritual freedom and a real relationship with God. Jesus said, in John 8:36, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” We are free from sin and punishment. We are free to live the abundant life that He provided. Everyone can have this freedom, no matter where they live or who they are. Jesus said, in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” That is an eternal freedom, a freedom worth celebrating! Do you have this freedom?
The R.O.C.K. Club in Radford, VA, offers outstanding and compassionate Christian child care and tutoring. We would love to tell you how you can have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Call us today at (540) 267-3000. As we are celebrating our freedom in the United States this month, think about how Jesus provides us with an everlasting freedom!
