Independence Day

Independence Day

As I write this, it is Independence Day 2021.  Maybe you’ve forgotten some of the details from high school history, but July 4, 1776, was not the actual day we won our independence from Britain, nor was it the start of the Revolutionary War.  The war actually began on April 19, 1775, with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, with the “shot heard round the world,” and the legendary ride of Paul Revere.  July 4th was the day the Continental Congress voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence.  The war raged on until September 9, 1783, and, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, the United States of America was officially severed from Britain and became an independent nation.

I was thinking that this is not unlike our salvation.  A battle begins in our hearts and in our minds as the Holy Spirit begins to call us.  The devil begins to battle for our soul, but God, oh so much more powerful, puts people and circumstances in place to amplify and confirm his call.  There comes a day when we freely make that decision, we spiritually sign our Declaration of Independence from sin and the world and the forces of darkness.  It’s a decision that changes our course forever — it is our spiritual Independence Day.  

Not unlike July 4, 1776, this is just the beginning of a long battle we wage against the Adversary who prowls around seeking to kill, steal and destroy — to devour whom he may.  (John 10:10; 1 Pet 5:8)  The spiritual battle continues until our own “Treaty of Paris” is signed as we enter eternity united with Jesus.

Christian brother and sister, remember your own Independence Day as you celebrate this holiday with the rest of our nation.  For those who have not declared their own independence from the Adversary, today could be that day for you.  Jesus stands at the door knocking, waiting for you to answer.  There are no magic words.  Simply open your heart to your Creator, acknowledge your willingness to turn away from the slavery of sin, and ask him to be in charge of your life.  The battle is just beginning, but you will never be in it alone.  You will always have the Power that created all that exists with you every step of the way.  That’s real independence.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  John 8:36

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