The value of freedom can be assessed in various ways and tends to increase when it is threatened or becomes scarce.

Our nation was founded on the fundamental principle of freedom. The Declaration of Independence highlights our God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are described as unalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away or surrendered.

However, the God who bestowed these unalienable rights also posed a question regarding their usage. While we have been granted these freedoms, they come with a responsibility. In Galatians 5:13, Paul states, “For you were called to freedom, brothers.

Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (ESV).

Although the freedom Paul refers to is different from that mentioned in the Declaration, it raises an important question about the nature of freedom that is worth contemplating.

How will you choose to use your freedom?

The same question is posed in the movie “The Patriot.” A man asks a slave, who is fighting alongside the colonists, in a derogatory manner, what he is going to do with freedom. While ill-intended, it is still a great question.

It is not enough to have your freedom. Freedom comes with a great deal of duty. How we use our freedom is a great judge of our character as humans and as citizens.

Think about the many ways a person could use their freedoms. We have the freedom of the press, which can be used to both vilify or uplift, or simply share factual information. The freedom of speech can be used to uplift or tear down.

The freedom to assemble can be used to protest or support. The point is that having freedom is a separate issue from how one chooses to use it.

Paul was speaking to people who had been freed from their sins and the wrath under which they would have suffered. He says they were called to freedom, they were drawn to it. But now that they have it, he instructs them to use it for a specific purpose. That purpose is not to indulge our desires, but instead to serve one another through love.

What are you going to do with your freedom?

You have been blessed by God to live in one of the greatest countries to ever exist. You have incredible freedom to do and produce, to work and to create, to live and pursue happiness. What have you done with that freedom thus far?

May I encourage every one of you to consider the wisdom shared by Paul? Decide today to use your freedom for the sole purpose of serving others in love. How vastly different would our great nation be if we all chose service over self and love over hate?

How will you choose to use your freedom?

Pastor Rich Cummings was called to Emmanuel Baptist Church in August 2022 and he has been a pastor since 2006. He has an MDiv from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He may be reached at rich@ebccassville.com.