For Our Freedom

It’s an interesting time of year.

Today I stood with others in a church service as the efforts of the servicemen who died in the major wars of the last century were remembered. I was informed by the leader of the service, that these people made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Yesterday I was in a car journey with a church elder who had been around in the church circles since the 1960’s. He was witness to a lot of initiatives and moves that saw churches started around the country. Many brothers and sisters who moved from the Caribbean to this country suffered much in terms of economic hardship, racial abuse and wider church neglect to form churches. They suffered to allow my generation to enjoy greater freedom.

I do not dismiss or ignore these examples. People hold these very dear to their heart. I appreciate that. I also believe that such a measure of respect often brings out the better qualities in people.

Considering these closer, though, I note that the freedoms fought and suffered for were limiting freedoms. Political and social freedom certainly has its limits. Religious freedom also has it’s limits.

So I am grateful for these freedoms and acknowledge there are people across the world who do not have these. Yet there is an even greater freedom – the ultimate freedom – that one man was able to pay the price no other could pay.

I am grateful that there are brothers and sisters who may not enjoy political, social and religious freedoms but yet experience a freedom far more liberating even in those harsh climates.

I am grateful that while I was a slave to sin, the great Emancipator lived, died, was buried and rose again to set captives like me free.

I am grateful that such freedom allows me to relate freely with the Creator – no barriers between us.

I am grateful that such freedom brings me to an enhancing new realisation of who I am in Christ.

I am grateful that I can forge fresh, deep, vibrant, loving, edifying relationships with brothers and sisters who likewise have been released.

I am grateful to our Father whose heart is to set men free. I am grateful to the Son who when He sets anyone is free indeed. I am grateful to the Spirit whose presence ushers in liberty.

My desire is to appreciate this all the more. To remember this daily, return thanks and point out to others this true freedom.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden