"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Corinthians 3:17)Have you ever had the opportunity to go to New York City and see the Statue of Liberty? Do you know what that statue symbolizes? Freedom. There is an inscription on the base of the statue that says, "...give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free..." Over the years, many immigrants have come through New York Harbor to Ellis Island, and passed this symbol of freedom. At one time, this was the point at which every foreigner had to come through in order to become a citizen of the United States.
Years before the Statue of Liberty, there was another symbol of Liberty. It was the old rugged cross. Just as the statue of Liberty stands on Ellis Island for all to see, the cross stood on Mount Calvary as a symbol to all who seek spiritual freedom and liberty.
Paul said, "...brethren, ye have been called unto liberty, only use not your liberty for an occasion to the flesh..." (Galatians 5:13) It was Daniel Webster that said, "God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard and defend it" (Daniel Webster - 1834).
Have you stopped to think what the liberty that you enjoy here in America cost our founding fathers? Many of them gave their lives that we might enjoy freedom. Have you stopped to realize what your spiritual freedom cost Jesus? It was not cheap either. It cost Him His life but, He gave it willingly. Do you realize that you and I have a responsibility to defend this liberty both in America and in Christ. The Devil wants to put you and I back into bondage and steal away our freedom. This is a time we celebrate our freedom of country, but why not make it a time to praise God for your liberty in Christ. And remember, don't abuse your liberty or you could lose it.
