Appreciation For Freedom

“Appreciation For Freedom”

By Zach Wood

1 John 2:2

“He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”

As we’ve just celebrated Veteran’s Day, we take time to remember the men and women who have so faithfully served our country and the ones who have given their lives so that we can have freedom in this country.  This past week, I was reminded not only what so many men and women have done to give me this incredible freedom, but also the freedom that has been given to me through Christ.

I find myself so guilty, when these days of tribute come around each year, that I don’t express my gratitude for the wonderful freedom I have been given in this country.  But I also find myself feeling guilty that I don’t express my appreciation and take so much for granted the freedom that Jesus Christ has given to me by paying the price with His life.  Just as these faithful men and women have given freedom by serving and many have died doing so, Jesus Christ has been faithful to come and serve and give up His life so that we would have life.

I am guilty of taking the freedom of this country and the freedom that Christ gives to me for granted.  We are all so guilty of this and it’s important for us to be thankful each day, most importantly for what Jesus Christ gave to give us life.  While these men and women of this country give up so much to give us freedom, the greatest sacrifice ever given was through the death of Jesus on the cross. 

Do we really understand and appreciate what He did to bring us life?  Has Jesus’ death on the cross just become commonplace to us?  Do we sincerely, every day, feel a deep appreciation and sense of true gratitude for what He did? 

I’ve heard the phrase “Freedom is never free” so often through my life.  And, you know what, it’s true!  Freedom always comes with a price that someone has paid.  Faithful men and women have paid that price for us in this country.  Jesus Christ ultimately paid the greatest price by serving and giving His life for us for true freedom.