God Bless America

Freedom. According to a popular 4th of July song, "in the heart of every person is a longing to be free; free from fear and persecution -- free to think and free to speak."
Living in the USA, we have the freedom to say what we want, to preach what we want, to chose oru leaders, even to leave the country if we want to. With all that's going on in the world today, freedom is a blessing. Think about it. People DIE for freedom. It's that important. It's that special. We have to protect it.
But my mom was wondering...are we using this freedom? Or are we wasting it? Are we striving to use our freedom to benefit our country and the world? To benefit God's kingdom? Or are we using it to do evil, or not using it at all?
On the news, we here about people in foreign countries who cannot chose their leaders. These are people who are not allowed to speak truth. People risk their lives every day just to read their Bible. Every day, Christians are murdered for their faith.
We are given this freedom, and the US Army is fighting for it. So why aren't we using it?
God tells us, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." In America, we are free to say what we want. We live free from persecution when we proclaim our faith -- we know that one one can hurt us for doing so in this country. We are protected because of our leaders and their decisions and because of our armies.
Jesus also has fought for our freedom -- and has won. He died so that we could be free from sin. We don't have to act like sinners anymore. Isn't that amazing? We don't have to be tied down by our sin! We are FREE. When God sees us, He doesn't see our sin; He sees the Holy Spirit living inside us. Remember that verse? "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
We need to use our freedom, both the freedom in our country and the freedom in Christ. Go out there and be free!
(And don't forget to wear red, white & blue.)

Dear God,
I realize it is a blessing that I have freedom. I can do so much with my life. I realize freedom isn't free; you had to die so that I could be free. Please help me to use my freedom and shine for you.
Amen.