I like freedom. I went out and stood in our cemetery and remembered those who secured it by their blood, sweat, and tears. I rejoice as a Christian that their toil means I can gather freely to worship with the redeemed. I rejoice as a writer that I can publish without censorship. I rejoice as a pastor, dad, and husband that I can go about my vocation with little fear of redress. I rejoice as a citizen that I live not at the whim of any despot.
But I must admit my flesh likes freedom also. Freedom to do whatever I want is pretty much the WD-40 for every sinful motion I might want to set in motion. Individual freedom can easily be mistaken for autonomy that can be so easily set against God. I can quickly coronate myself as the final say on all matters. And I know others will join me in using freedom they have been given to suggest that everything that is not prohibited is also necessarily good.
As we remember those who died this day, let us remember again the One who gave them to us all and use the freedom we have been entrusted with in ways that serve and honor Him. For freedom is not intrinsically good. It too can be abused. But it is great good when put to holy use.
The Romans thought that their freedom was a license to do whatever they wanted, too. So, Paul asked them, “Shall we sin much that grace may abound? By no means!!!” Thanks for reminding us to use the freedom that Christ won for us to His glory.