Declaring My Dependence

This being The Fourth of July, I thought it would be a perfect time to share with each of you dear wives some of the freedoms for which I am thankful. (It is almost like Thanksgiving, isn’t it?)

First and foremost, I am certainly thankful for the freedom that I have in Jesus Christ.

Galatians 5:1 reminds me, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm,then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

I am free from the yoke of slavery to sin because of Christ! Wow, talk about true freedom — you can’t get that from a Declaration of Independence!

I am also thankful for the freedom to be all that Christ desires me to be. It is freeing to know that in Christ we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old has gone and all things have become new.

I am thankful for my freedom to now be dependent on Christ for everything.

Steven Curtis Chapman had a song many years ago called “Declaration of Dependence,” where he talked about realizing that we are free from the bondage of sin and now slaves (Paul calls it bondservant) to Jesus. We are totally His. All we are and will ever be is by His grace, mercy and great love. (Gal. 1:10).

Maybe today, Independence Day in America, you need to make your declaration of dependence to the Lord. Acknowledge Christ as supreme in all things and submit yourselves to Him in utter dependence. Talk about celebration! Talk about a declaration!

I am thankful for the many freedoms we have in our country: I am thankful I can homeschool my children (in several countries it is illegal), I can attend church services openly and freely, I can exercise my right to vote and speak out on issues that concern me, and the list goes on and on (all of these freedoms should not be taken for granted but rather they should be protected).

Are you thankful for any of these freedoms? Spend a little time today and reflect on the fact that we have the best news to share to a world in bondage. We have the Good News! I am challenging myself to be more intentional in sharing the gospel with those around me and in my sphere of influence. I am declaring my dependence on the Freedom Giver, Christ Jesus, to do this.