One of our favorite American celebrations is around the corner—the 4th of July! 

We think of parades, picnics, and patriotism:  fireworks, flags and family, country, constitution, and freedom. It’s a happy day; we stand a little taller and proud.

Unfortunately, our views are marred by terrorism, politics, factions, bitterness, even hatred among our people. Social media seems to have provided a platform for some to spew forth their ideologies with such venom that it is disheartening to read. News media gives us mostly the bad news of the day because the good news is not dramatic enough.

Paul encourages us to:

…live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Galatians 5:16

He warns us that:

You were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature. Galatians 5:13

Jesus said,

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor, he has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners…” Luke 4:18

That is, freedom for those imprisoned by the sinful nature. So, what are the components of this sinful nature?

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality…idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord… fits of rage… dissensions, factions, and envy. Galatians 5:19-20

We have this battle between the Spirit and the sinful nature. We can recognize the Spirit in us by the fruit we bear.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 

As we celebrate our nation’s freedom, may we do so with our spiritual freedom in Christ. May we express our opinions, diverse as they may be, in the Spirit rather than the sinful nature.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14

Happy Fourth to you and yours.

~ Joyce ~