Leadership Tips & Training What Freedom Means To Me

Growing up in a military family, I was exposed to and absorbed a great amount of patriotism.  My father was in the military for over twenty years serving first in the Korean War and then Vietnam as a corpsman. 

Most of my life, I lived on a military base somewhere on the coast of the United States, from Virginia to Key West to California.  I learned to love and respect the American flag so you can imagine that the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays.   On any military base, at the end of the duty day, the flag is lowered with a retreat ceremony.  Usually the National Anthem is played over the base public address system as the flag is lowered.   When us “navy brats” were out playing or riding our bikes, we knew when we heard the music come on, it was the respectful thing to stop, position ourselves to face the flag or music and assume the position of parade rest, standing as tall as we could for our small selves and placing our hands over our hearts.  (We added that part).   It did not matter if you were jumping rope or you were playing softball with the bases loaded and you were on your way to home base, you stopped and showed respect for the flag.

Showing respect for the flag was just a part of what I learned.  I learned firsthand that freedom is not free.  It cost my dad three years of his life as he did two tours in Vietnam.  It cost me time with my Dad.  He left when I was in 5th grade and basically did not come back until I was in 7th .  A lot of changes took place in my life in that short time. 

Ultimate Freedom.  As I celebrate the birth of our country’s independence, I am moved as I always am to reflect on my ultimate freedom – freedom in Christ.  The sacrifices made by my father and my family do not compare with the sacrifice made on my behalf by Christ.   No one has ever given their life for me.  It is the ultimate demonstration of love.   The New Testament is rich in freedom theology and just to remind us of a few – let’s recognize this precious, costly freedom by:

Celebrating!  Jesus was continually trying it get those who were following him to understand that he offered true freedom – freedom from the law, freedom from sin, freedom from even the penalty of sin .  In John 8:36 he said:  “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” (NIV).  That is worth celebrating with fireworks!  Nothing compares to the freedom we have in Christ.  Regardless of where our country is headed politically, this freedom can never be taken from us.

Sharing.  Matthew 10:8 says “freely you have received, freely give”.  (NKJV).   God has abundantly shared his blessing with us so that we can be bless others!  Sharing the love of Christ with others as well as sharing our material possessions can be a way of celebrating our freedom in Christ.
   
Not going back!  This one is a hard one for some of us.  Celebrate your freedom in Christ by refusing to go back to the old way of living!  Letting those old habits finally die and allowing them no part in our lives is better than any 4th of July parade!  Paul wrote to the believers at Galatia, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”    It’s crazy to imagine that I would even want to go back to my old way of living or my old way of thinking! 

I hope this year’s 4th of July is a really special one for you.  Honor Him by standing strong and tall, head held high because you proudly wear the sign of the cross! Place your hand on your heart, pledge allegiance and enjoy your freedom!  Yippee!  If I had a trumpet I would blow it!

Stay Strong!

Vicki

Vicki is our First Place 4 Health Director of Leadership Development. She also is a Body & Soul Instructor and is on our two First Place 4 Health Aerobic DVD's. She is one of our First Place 4 Health conference speakers and leads Aerobics and speaks at our Wellness Weeks each year.