This week we will celebrate the birthday of America. The day we celebrate all that America is supposed to stand for. Our country has fought hard to keep the freedoms that were established nearly 250 years ago.
One of the greatest freedoms that we enjoy is that of religious freedom. There are countries that have underground churches because they don’t have the right to worship like we have. I cannot imagine not having a public church.
When Covid hit and churches had to shut down, it was a sad time for our world. We saw then how easily we could lose our freedom to worship. People were eager to return to the church for worship. Oh, but how we have once again taken that freedom for granted. Churches everywhere have struggled since then.
Our nation was founded on Christian principles and yet, we have lost sight of our responsibilities. As Christians we are called to be the salt of the earth, a city on a hill. In Jesus’ sermon on the mount, He addresses this:
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
Being the salt of the earth and the city on a hill means allowing the One who lives inside you to be seen through your words, deeds and actions. Salt has many uses. It is used to flavor and season, it is used medicinally, and it causes one to thirst. Think about this. We are to season the world, point them to spiritual healing and cause them to thirst after righteousness.
To be a city on a hill means to be seen from afar. As a Christian, are you being seen from afar? Is your light shining or has it been hidden under a basket for various reasons?
The Statue of Liberty is a visible symbol of our freedom. It once served as a lighthouse. However, it is still seen as a beacon of hope and freedom to all who see it.
Today, I want to remind you to be a beacon, a glimmer of hope for all to see. Don’t take your responsibility lightly. Remaining a beacon for the cause of Christ is paramount in today’s world.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance. Psalm 33:12
Prayer: Father, thank you for the freedom that You have given to me in Christ. Thank you for the freedom I have in America. I pray Lord that You will continue to protect our nation and our freedoms. I ask you to help me be a beacon for those around me to see. I pray that people will have a thirst for the freedom that You alone can give. In Jesus’ Name – Amen.
Fun fact: This picture was taken April 13, 2018. Seeing this brought tears to my eyes. I’m so thankful for my freedom.