Freedom, Precious Freedom
I recently acquired some chickens. Seven fat hens. I am responsible for their safety, so I built a secure pen for them. It has a top to keep out hawks and is reinforced around the bottom to keep out varmints. Daily I make sure they have fresh water and plenty of food. They are safe, well-fed, and have a warm dry coop to sleep in. Everything the chickens could want.
Everything my chickens could want. Except they want out. Whenever I go to feed them, they are standing at the gate, hoping I will let them out. These chickens are glad to exchange the free food for food they can find for themselves. They are also happy to swap the safety of the enclosed pen for the wide-open freedom of the yard. When a hawk flies over, my chickens know how to hide under a bush. When a varmint comes around, they fly into a tree. They don’t need me to take care of them. They are willing to take care of themselves.
It occurs to me that my chickens are exhibiting the true American spirit. True Americans don’t sit around waiting to be fed, they take care of themselves. True Americans will not trade freedom for safety. True Americans will not be told when, where, and how to worship. They will worship how, where, and when the God of all creation calls them. True Americans don’t depend on the government. They will lift their eyes unto God. This is where they have placed their trust.
The Declaration of Independence declares that it is evident that we are endowed by the Creator with the rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. It appears that many people are willing to trade these rights for the dubious promises of corrupt politicians. I am not!
I know that Jesus Christ died on the cross to free me from my sin. And brave soldiers died on the battlefield so I can live in freedom. Satan cannot steal my salvation and I will not sell my liberty. I will stand firm in the liberty given by Christ. I refuse to be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. I was set free to live in freedom and I will be free.
Douglas & Deborah Huff
From Down Where the Pavement Ends
email-douglas@pavementendsministry.com
From the Bible
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”
Ephesians 6:10-17 NKJV
