Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

A few days ago we Americans celebrated Independence Day, our country’s 243rd birthday. Nationally, in Washington D.C. President Trump officiated at a not- to- be -missed Celebration of America in front of the Lincoln Memorial and honored this country’s history and its military sacrifices for our freedom. A crowd of thousands overflowed both sides of the National Mall’s Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool from the Washington Monument to the President’s platform. I admit to choking up more than once at the patriotic display because I felt deep gratitude for all the freedoms I am blessed with. As for all the grumpy pants naysayers whose cold hearts found nothing to celebrate on this Fourth of July, I ask, “Have you not read in that Declaration of Independence that “we hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among them are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Do you not know the freedoms you twist and mock were given not by human authority, but ordained by Divine Providence? “

More and more, we see our American freedoms being challenged and threatened. The good news is that Christian life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is not dependent on any declaration of man. As messengers of the Gospel we are grounded entirely and only in Christ, in Biblical truths. The inalienable rights of Christians for Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness are ours only in so far as we’re surrendered to Jesus. As such, they are radically different from the world’s viewpoint.

LIFE: Life for the Christian is not found through political constructs, philosophies or principles. Life for the Christian is in a Person who is Jesus Christ. If you want to know what that life can be like, listen to the Lord’s instructions.

It is a blessed life of truth, direction, blessedness and purpose. He said that I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. He also said in John 10:10 “the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy but I have come to that they may have life abundantly.”

It is a life of dependence, not independence. John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

It is a life of faith in Christ and not our own efforts. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

It is a life of rest, not toil. Matthew 11:28 Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.

It is a life freely submitted under God’s authority. It is a Life of relationship with God, seeking, asking and finding Him, the One Who is waiting to be found. Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

It is an eternal life in the Spirit as adopted children of God. Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

It is a life as citizens of heaven ruled by the One to whom every knee will bow and declare Jesus as Lord.
Philippians 3:20 20-21 But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.…
Philippians 2:10 …at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

The blessing of natural life set forth in the Declaration of Independence are extraordinary gifts, but as clay compared to the glorious gold of Christ’s life in us. There is no life on earth greater than the life of Christ we receive when we are reborn in Him.