This week the great experiment in democracy called America celebrates it's 232nd birthday.  Now admittedly, this nation is far from perfect.  There's a lot of history in those 230 years to be ashamed of - slavery, discrimination, racism, and a continuing moral decline to name a few.  But, this unique idea of government of the people, by the people and for the people has for the most part worked.  The reason that it has worked is that the driving force behind this nation's founding was a firm belief in God and in the premise that God created us all equal and free (although it took way too long to really understand that "all men are created equal" really means everybody, not just those of a certain race, class or belief system).  Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1774, "The God Who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time."

There are limits to the freedoms that can be granted or guaranteed by a nation, a government, or a system of laws, because there are things that bind and enslave us that can only be loosed in the spiritual realm.  Only God can set you free from the bondage of sin.

Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."  He wasn't talking about an objective fact.  He was talking about himself.  "I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except by me."

This week we will celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.  Freedom to worship, freedom to pursue our dreams, freedom to speak our minds.  For these we are thankful. But, while those things help us to lead happy, productive and fulfilling lives, ultimately they are not of eternal consequence.

When we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, we know the truth and are set free from the bondage of sin.  No more are we slaves to addiction, to legalism, to our sinful nature, to the fear of death.  The Son has set us free and we are free indeed.

On the day you were born again, you were set free.  That was your "independence day"!

Alan Riley