This post was written by Doug McDaniel, a former pastor and current BCC counselor. He counsels in our Northwest Indiana offices and online via Skype.
The 4th of July, our Independence Day, gives us two words, freedom and independence, that describe our understanding of precious liberty from tyranny. Yet, the words can be problematic.
In the light of the indiscretions of some police and demonstrators these past months we must agree that freedom does not mean we have the right to do as you please. Freedom without responsibility is not true freedom because it leads to the oppression of others.
Also, independence, without obligations forces us into a self-righteousness that pits us against anyone who would disagree with us. How, then, should we celebrate these important words?
Notice the words of the John 8:31-32, “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32) And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Our Lord sets before us a condition that, if we choose, will set us to experience great freedom in Him and to experience independence from the wages and ravages of sin. If
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