Freedom Is Not Free

In America, July marks the month of our Independence. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

Yet there is a cost that comes with our freedom. If you’ve been to Washington D.C. perhaps you’ve seen these words engraved on the Korean War Veterans Memorial: “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.” These words are there to remind us that there were military sacrifices that were made so that we as Americans can enjoy bountiful freedoms. Lives were lost, but freedom was secured. This is a profound gift that we must not take for granted.

However, this concept is not new. For those of us who are Christ-followers, we have experienced this life-changing freedom as we placed our trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. 

Galatians 5:1 says,

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourself be burdened by a yoke of slavery. “

When Jesus gave up His life for ours, we were no longer slaves, but free to experience life to the fullest…the abundant life. Yet, our freedom was not free. It required the ultimate sacrifice: death on a cross. But to God, this sacrifice was worth it in order for us to be free. 

This month I salute the brave men and women who allow us to live the American life: Free. And Jesus Christ who allows us to live the abundant life: Totally Free.