July Article
Brothers and Sisters in Christ -
“They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:33 - 36 NIV
As the calendar turns towards July, our hearts and minds turn towards the freedoms that we enjoy living in this country - and rightly so. Each one of us is indebted to those who gave of themselves for our liberty, and my hope is that each one of us will take a moment to reflect with thanksgiving on this truth as we celebrate Independence Day this year! We have often heard the phrase “freedom in Christ”, and sometimes we apply that principle to our lives as Americans. In some ways, that’s absolutely correct but in other ways, it diminishes the all-encompassing meaning of what “freedom in Christ” REALLY means! The ancient words of John 8:34-36 still resonate powerfully in our modern world, even though we might not recognize the chains Jesus speaks of. In an age that champions individual freedom and self-determination, the idea of being a "slave to sin" can feel jarring, even offensive. We live in Missouri, a place where people value independence and hard work. But Jesus' message transcends all boundaries of time and location. “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” At its root, slavery can be defined as a lack of freedom. Consider the subtle forms of slavery that ensnare people today. It's not always the obvious addictions, though those are certainly devastating. Think of the endless scroll on social media, promising connection but delivering comparison and anxiety. We feel compelled to check our phones, to keep up, to present a perfect image, becoming enslaved to the fleeting approval of others or the fear of missing out. This isn't just a habit; it's a compulsion, a master dictating our attention and emotional well-being. Or consider the relentless pursuit of “more” – more money, more possessions, a bigger house, the latest gadget. This drive, often fueled by advertising and cultural norms, can become a demanding taskmaster. We work longer hours, sacrifice relationships, and compromise our values, all in service to an insatiable desire for material gain. We are "free" to make choices, yet often find ourselves bound by consumerism and the endless cycle of desiring what we don't have. Then there's the internal slavery of unforgiveness, bitterness, or resentment. We may tell ourselves we're justified in holding onto grudges, that we're protecting ourselves. But in reality, these emotions imprison us, poisoning our peace and preventing us from living fully free. They dictate our thoughts and interactions, keeping us bound to past hurts. If you’re like me, some of this does sound (painfully) familiar. But here is the glorious truth, the lifeline for our souls: “The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Jesus, the Son, has the authority to break every one of these chains. He offers a freedom that isn't about doing whatever we want, but about being truly ourselves, unburdened by the demands of sin, culture, or our own brokenness. This freedom comes from acknowledging our slavery to sin and, by faith, embracing Jesus as our Deliverer. It means stepping out of the endless pursuit of external validation and into the liberating embrace of God’s unconditional love and acceptance. It means exchanging the fleeting satisfactions of a sin-bound life for the lasting joy and purpose found in serving the true Master – Jesus Christ, who sets us free indeed. In this way, we can celebrate “Independence Day” every day!
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Bob
