Two kinds of freedom

Erick Kalenga
Published: July 5, 2008

On Friday, the United States of America celebrated its Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July.

As everyone knows, this great day has been instituted as a federal holiday to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of independence on July 4, 1776.

About four years ago I had privilege of going to Washington, D.C., for the Fourth of July celebration. I had heard people talking about how awesome the event is.

When we arrived at the Mall, the crowd was scattered around. A couple of hours later, the area was covered with people, leaving me amazed by the amount of spectators who came out to proudly celebrate the freedom of their country.

The event was indeed great, and the fireworks were awesome. I was glad that I was able to celebrate freedom with the American people in the nation’s capital. After the event, it was almost impossible to walk back to the Metro station due to the amount of people on the road.

I will be honest, though: I don’t think I’ll be doing it again.

It was certainly an unbelievable experience — one that I will always cherish — but the most amazing thing was to see the country come together to celebrate freedom.

In 1776, freedom came with a price. Somebody had to sacrifice his life for you to enjoy that same right today.

But there are still people today who are paying the price for others to be free. As we all know, there are many people in a number of countries who struggle with fear and lack of freedom.

As I was preparing this column, I came across the Webster definition of freedom: The condition of being able to act at will, not under compulsion; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints.

I have traveled to places where people live in physical and spiritual bondage or oppression. I believe the American people are taking their freedom for granted. In this country, we have freedom of speech — which is sometimes taken too far, We also have freedom of religion.

As Christians, we know that Christ had to pay the price for our freedom from sin. We need to use our freedom proactively to advance God’s kingdom.

First Peter 2:16 says, “Live like free people, and do not use your freedom as an excuse for doing evil. Instead, be God’s servants.”

We are called to serve others, to sacrifice our lives for others to be free. While you are celebrating your freedom with your family and friends, and having a cookout, remember that somebody died for you.

Today, America has servicemen and women who have sacrificed and are sacrificing their lives for others. I have a great deal of respect for those people. They are will to lay down their lives for others, with no regret.

In 2nd Tim. 1:12, Paul writes: “That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.”

As a Christian here in the United States, are you prepared to die for your faith?

Remember this passage of Scripture: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Gal. 5:1).

To all the troops fighting for our freedom, may God bless you and keep you safe.

Erick Kalenga is an independent columnist who appears Sundays in the Star-Exponent. He lives in Madison County.
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