I promise you, it’s a coincidence that just after our country celebrated it independence, our church happened to take on the theme “Created to Be Free.” Who would have thought that the concept of “freedom” would come to carry the amount of cultural and political baggage as it does today? But, as God’s faithful, it would truly be a shame if we confused, let alone ceded, the very definition of living free in God’s world.
For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become enslaved to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
Galatians 5:1, 13-15
In Galatians, Paul’s message emphasizes that our freedom in Christ is not a license for self-concern above all but a call to love and serve others. This stands in stark contrast to the rising tide of Christian nationalism, which often conflates faith with political power and cultural dominance. Such ideologies can distort the gospel’s message, turning freedom into a tool for exclusion and division rather than inclusion and unity.
Theologian and author Brian McLaren challenges us to reconsider what true freedom looks like in this context. He asks, “How might Christians in the United States offer a better model for ‘living free’—one that is characterized by humility, service, and love rather than power, control, and fear?” McLaren’s question invites us to reflect on how our faith can model a more authentic freedom that aligns with Christ’s teachings.
True freedom in Christ calls us to resist the yoke of societal and political bondage, advocating instead for a community built on love and mutual service. It means rejecting ideologies that seek to dominate and oppress and embracing a vision of freedom that lifts others up and fosters genuine, loving relationships. This is a vision that I can imagine our “founders” would have been keen to support and one worth continuing to celebrate.
May God’s peace find you today. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… Creator God, give us the strength to live out this true freedom, to stand firm against the forces that seek to distort it, and to embody the love and humility that Christ calls us to. May our lives be a testament to the liberating power of God’s grace, offering a beacon of hope and a model of authentic freedom in our world. Amen.