Because many Americans have never known other circumstances, it’s easy to take our liberties for granted.
The Israelites knew firsthand the oppression of slavery. Yet when God finally led them out of Egypt, they had problems adjusting to their newfound freedom. Fearful and rebellious, the Israelites grumbled against their leaders, Moses and Aaron, saying they would’ve been better off as slaves in Egypt.
Our freedom as Christians cost Jesus his life.
But we, too, often find it easier to fall back into sinful habits. In Galatians 5:1, Paul offers this encouragement: “For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (NRSV).
We’re no longer bound by sin and death.
That “independence” is worth celebrating every day!