The Land of the Free

With all its faults, America is still a great country. It ranks number 15 out of 165 countries for being the most free. Switzerland ranks number one. I’m not sure why. I know their flag is a big plus!🇨🇭

There is one country, not on the list, where true freedom is constantly enjoyed by every citizen.

The writer of Hebrews mentions this country when describing the saints of old who were martyred for their faith. “Destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them.” Hebrews 11:37-38

“They were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.” Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭16‬

The apostle Paul also wrote about this heavenly country. He said he longed to be there because it “would be far better” Philippians 1:23.

Heaven is the true land of the free.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭

It’s interesting that Paul, who wrote so much about freedom, called himself a “slave of God” (Titus 1:1 NLT). How can being a slave make you free?

It depends on who your master is.

“Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬-‭18‬

Paul knew the only way to be truly free was to make a Declaration of Dependence on Christ, knowing apart from Him we can do nothing.

“For sin shall no longer be your master” Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬.

I plan to celebrate this Fourth of July with friends. I love the USA—but my true allegiance is somewhere else—a much better country.

Living in America can’t guarantee me ultimate joy and freedom.

Living in Christ can!

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John‬ ‭8‬:‭36‬ ‭

“Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” Philippians 3:20

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom!” 2 Corinthians 3:17