The Power of Remembering: Our Freedom

by David Chadwick

This is Memorial Day weekend. A time to enjoy family, fun, food, and friends.

But don't forget the true meaning of this upcoming Monday: freedom. May we never forget the price so many have paid for us to be free.

Freedom has a cost.

Throughout the years, countless people have actually given or have been willing to risk their lives for our freedom. Freedom to worship. To speak freely. To assemble freely. And many other rights that many in other parts of the world don't have.

God constantly admonished Israel to "remember." Mostly, he wanted them to remember that they were once slaves and God, by his might and grace, freed them from Egyptian slavery (Deuteronomy 6:12). This memory is now deeply engraved in the Jewish culture through Shabbat practices, feasts, and festivals – especially Passover. They make a habit of going back and remembering the provision and power of God in their lives throughout generations.

Though flawed, America is still the brightest display of freedom in the world. Many still want to come here to find freedom.

As you celebrate this American holiday, may you remember the sacrifice made for you and for your freedom. May you also remember the sacrifice Jesus made for your eternal freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:17 says, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

May you learn to cultivate a life that is close to the Holy Spirit. That leans on him and allows him to work in and through you. It is there that true freedom is found regardless of external circumstances!