Freedom Comes with a High Price

 Today is Memorial Day. This holiday is not about gathering with other people and having barbeques. Although that is a great way to demonstrate freedom, it is not the meaning of the day. This day is about remembering and celebrating those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We live in a free country in which we can think, believe, and say what we want, regardless of what some people want to believe. Our freedom comes with a high price as many lost their lives for our freedom. Since some have given everything for our freedom, we must become responsible with our freedom. 

Being responsible with our freedom means we may have to refrain from speaking all of our thoughts. We can be free with our speech and still be kind and reveal the love of Jesus. The evil that exists in our society will always be there. We don’t have to respond to all of the evil with a cliché or a clever statement in an argument. We can respond with being kind to our fellow human beings. When we are responsible with our mouths, those outside of the church notice because they usually only hear the reckless words that come out of the mouths of Christians. Soldiers fought and died so all could have the freedom of speech. 

Being responsible with our freedom also means that we stand up for those who are suffering. We work as a church to find solutions for the homeless. We work as a church to find solutions for the disparity in education. (There are huge gaps with minority groups and the poor.) We walk inside of the walls of those places that need help instead of scream on social media how they are doing it all wrong. That doesn’t help anyone, and the people on the inside do not listen because they know that the problem is much bigger. Soldiers fought and died so all could have a place to be home and an education that continues to bring freedom to our country. 

Being responsible with our freedom means we genuinely care for others. Find a space to serve those who are in need. We can have good thoughts and prayers, but once we start serving, then we realize the true work that needs to be done. As much as I am an advocate to serve at church, our society needs our hands and feet outside of the church walls. Find an area where you can serve, whether it is in your career or not. Serve your coworkers and those whom you influence daily. Our soldiers fought and died serving their country. We can find small ways to serve others. 

Jesus gave his life and gave us the ultimate freedom from our sins. We do not have to be concerned with the sins of other people. Once we accept Jesus, we know that we are clean from sin and are free to live our lives. With the freedom, comes the responsibility to love others with the love of Jesus. With that freedom, comes the responsibility to serve others with the love of Jesus. With that freedom comes the responsibility to forgive as Jesus forgave us. 

Freedom. It is a word that we love to say, but it is a word that requires action. Today, as we honor those who fought and died for our freedom, may we think of ways that we can serve others as we remember them and Jesus who fought and died for us.