Freedom: Sacrifice & Work
By Lexi Cole Ellis
By Lexi Cole Ellis
“He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse
us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.”
Titus 2:14 (NLT)
Three patriotic days: Memorial Day, Fourth of July,
Veterans Day. The flags go up, parades, furniture sale, the call to pause. And
yet, each day has a specific purpose. Memorial Day is to remember those who
gave their lives for the cause of freedom. The Fourth of July is to celebrate
our freedom and the birthday of our country. Veterans Day is to honor those who
are or have served to defend and maintain those freedoms.
Different days of remembrance, different purposes. But recently, I was drawn to two significant similarities in which all three of these holidays parallel our faith.
Different days of remembrance, different purposes. But recently, I was drawn to two significant similarities in which all three of these holidays parallel our faith.
Each holiday asks us to acknowledge that sacrifice comes
with freedom. We’ve heard the phrase “freedom is not free” because there is a
cost. In the same way, Jesus Christ gave up His right to live and suffered
immensely in order to reconcile a relationship with His People. And before His
death, Jesus commanded us to love because “…greater love has no one than this,
that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [1] Just as we pause to be thankful for
our patriotic freedoms, may we recognize the ultimate sacrifice Christ gave as
He laid down His life.
Each holiday also acknowledges that freedom requires ongoing work. It wasn’t granted in 1776 and, while there’s certainly been progress, there’s still a long way to go. The ideas are there but the battle continues. In the same way, the war for our eternal salvation has been won but the battle against spiritual warfare continues… And that takes ongoing work. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against…the cosmic powers over this present darkness.” [2]
Moreover, as we fight against spiritual battles, we are also called into the active work of loving others in the midst of a messy world. Just as we pause to recognize the fight for freedom isn’t over, may we accept the challenge of engaging in spiritual battle and the call to actively love others in the name of Jesus.
This Fourth of July - - as we enjoy the flags, the parades, the moments to be grateful - - may we take the opportunity to recognize the sacrifice that our Heavenly Father made for us. And may we answer the call to actively continue the work of freedom to a broken world until He returns.
Each holiday also acknowledges that freedom requires ongoing work. It wasn’t granted in 1776 and, while there’s certainly been progress, there’s still a long way to go. The ideas are there but the battle continues. In the same way, the war for our eternal salvation has been won but the battle against spiritual warfare continues… And that takes ongoing work. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against…the cosmic powers over this present darkness.” [2]
Moreover, as we fight against spiritual battles, we are also called into the active work of loving others in the midst of a messy world. Just as we pause to recognize the fight for freedom isn’t over, may we accept the challenge of engaging in spiritual battle and the call to actively love others in the name of Jesus.
This Fourth of July - - as we enjoy the flags, the parades, the moments to be grateful - - may we take the opportunity to recognize the sacrifice that our Heavenly Father made for us. And may we answer the call to actively continue the work of freedom to a broken world until He returns.
GOING DEEPER:
1.
Take time in prayer to thank God for His sacrifice and the tools
He gives us for spiritual battle and loving others.
FURTHER READING:
Philippians 2:6-8; Ephesians 6:10-14; 1 John 4:7-12
Philippians 2:6-8; Ephesians 6:10-14; 1 John 4:7-12
Lexi and
her husband, Andrew, are blessed with their daughter and a dog. She teaches
sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.
[1] John 15:13, ESV
[2] Ephesians 6:12, ESV
[1] John 15:13, ESV
[2] Ephesians 6:12, ESV
