One of the most personally inspiring passages in the New Testament for me is found in Galatians 5:1:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Such a passage always comes to mind as we celebrate Independence Day in America.

Freedom and liberty have always been cherished concepts in the United States, from the first shots of the American Revolution, to the emancipation of American slaves, and more. Even today, freedom is a banner we can rally under as we protect those oppressed around the world, spreading the chance for liberty to peoples who have been burdened under the yoke of communism, socialism, terrorism and more.

Oppression doesn’t lurk only in such realms though. Our world still sees too much physical slavery, from child labor to child soldiers to the sex slave trade around the world. We kid ourselves to think this doesn’t happen at home as well. It does. I’m thankful for ministries such as Rapha House, who work to expose such slavery and free these people from slavery and fear.

But as Christians, there’s an even deeper layer of meaning than either of these. Paul explains that the worst slavery of all is the slavery of sin. Fortunately, there is a way out of this slavery. Through Christ, our sins are paid for and our bondage is broken. And only Christ can set the sinner free.

There is no greater freedom than the freedom found in Christ. As Jesus stated in John 8:36, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” The freedom he gives is beyond anything else we can imagine, deeper even than freedom from earthly oppression and slavery.

Tomorrow, we celebrate freedom as a nation. But in the midst of such celebration, my hearts aches for the child soldier in Uganda, for the little girl trapped in sexual slavery in Cambodia, for the oppressed farmer in lands governed by communism. But most of all for the ones who do not know that Christ came to set us free from the worst oppression and slavery of all.

Tomorrow, as you celebrate America’s independence, as you watch the fireworks light up the night sky, remember those who cannot celebrate. And ask God if there might be a way you can help them find freedom. Remember those in slavery around our world, whether that is slavery in an earthly manner, or, most importantly, slavery to sin.

Paul continues his exhortation on freedom in Galatians, a few verses later, in 5:13:

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

What better way to celebrate our freedom than by serving another?

What thoughts does Independence Day spark in your mind? You can share your thoughts in the comment section below.