The Price of Freedom

by Tim Howard

If you are a citizen of the United States of America you have every reason to celebrate this weekend. We are a nation built upon freedom and if you understand our history – you appreciate everything that word ‘freedom’ represents.

Many things that seem to be free, have in reality been paid for by others. When that happens – it really isn’t free – it’s just at ‘no expense to you.’ If you want to gather a large crowd around you, simply shout the word ‘FREE!’  People from every nook and cranny will come running because the very term itself suggests you will get something for nothing. Most people like a good sale but everyone loves to get something for free.

Freedom costs, however, and we must not forget that. The celebration this weekend would not be possible without those who chose to sacrifice their wants, their feelings, their thoughts and their lives.

The cost of freedom and the high price that was paid demands we use it wisely. Paul the Apostle said: Gal. 5:13 “It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.” MSG

 Having freedom is one thing but using freedom in the right way is another.

True freedom involves a cost but also a choice. If you wrongly assume that freedom means to indulge yourself and a means of getting what will benefit you regardless of others then all your choices will be selfish. Freedom is then held in jeopardy.

For ongoing freedom to remain, we must choose to use our freedom correctly and for the benefit of the whole. President John F. Kennedy said: "...ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Freedom, when used properly will choose what is right and best for the whole. Freedom is not just about YOU!

Freedom is not unique to America nor did it have its origin in this country’s beginning. God has always had a desire for every boy and girl, every man and women to experience freedom. When people proclaim their dependency ‘upon’ God rather than their independence ‘from’ God, Heaven rules on earth. But when people proclaim their independence ‘from’ God rather than depending ‘upon’ God, Hell breaks loose everywhere.

Here are a few things we must never forget about freedom:

1. The call to freedom is a privilege – not a right. It has been provided for us, by others and must be honored by those of us who have been entrusted with it.

2. We are free to choose but not free from the consequences of our choices. We are responsible for the choices we make. 

3. True freedom is not the right to choose but the privilege to choose what is right.

As we celebrate the freedom allotted to us on July 4, 1776 may we all use our liberties wisely.