5 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.
Galatians 5:1
As children we thought freedom was doing whatever we want. We even hear adults say “I should be able to do what ever I want.” But some things we think we “want” are tricks and addictions. The Apostle Paul warned us of putting on the yoke of slavery. He did not say someone else would put it on us. We would be tempted to put it on ourselves. Excessive drinking or drugs, gambling, eating, gossiping, negativity, network news or internet news can all put a yolk on us and take our freedom, peace of mind and joy from us.
Our society has become obsessed and addicted to news. It runs 24 hours a day in gyms, homes, stores, restaurants, on radios and smart phones.
Yesterday there were no mass shooting in America so the news found one in a country we rarely hear about half way around the world to report one.
Our bodies and minds were not meant to be able to process this much horror. We are only supposed to deal with the tragedy in our small town or neighborhood.
We need to turn off this bad news and turn on the Good News. If America spent the time finding out what Jesus and the Apostles really said in the Bible rather than hanging on every word of news. Who, by the way, I just found out our favorite news station is owned by a billionaire who is a subject of the queen of England and not a fan of American Democracy at all. To him consevative means what it meant in 1776 allegiance to his queen and we, Americans, are all traders. Why would he promote our American democracy. He wouldn’t and he doesn’t. He just wants our money and to destroy our democracy in the name of conservatism and Jesus.
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17
Imagine we spent our news time on the Good News reading the Good book. We would have all the weapon we need by knowing the sword of the Word of God that Paul talks about in the full Armour of God.
Let’s take our freedom back America! Turn off all the news, negativity and pick up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. This was what the founding fathers sought when they wrote our inspired constitution.
Most Americans have never read the Constitution. Most followers of Jesus haven’t read the Bible all the way through. We believe that we can navigate this world without reading the Word of God. If we don’t khow what it says how will we ever know if we have taken up a yolk of slavery or not.
Let’s find out and put off the yoke and take up the freedom that we have been given and appreciate it today.
Happy Freedom and Independence Day!
