Only One Free Freedom

Today on this Fourth of July I think about freedom. Mostly, I think about the fact that I haven’t really done anything to earn the freedom I’ve been given. We in America all know the saying “Freedom isn’t free.” And even though it feels free to me, I know different. Others have paid the price, beginning with those thirteen colonies that fought for America back in 1776. It has been the few fighting for the many ever since.

We enjoy freedoms in America that many people in this world can’t even comprehend.  

Freedom of speech is one. We can say whatever we want. There are countries that practice strict censorship and some that punish its citizens for saying the wrong thing. Oppressive.

Freedom of the press is held dear in America. As a journalist I am free to write what I want. Of course facts are of utmost importance and my publisher has the right to reject my work. And, I am not involved in any sort of investigative or whistle-blowing coverage that some news writers are so I feel pretty safe. But in some countries, journalists have been injured, imprisoned, even murdered for what they have written. Criminal.

As hard as it is for me to comprehend, children fall under the category of freedom. It seems unreal to me, but the control of how many children a couple has does exist. While we largely consider children a blessing in America, there are those who consider children a burden on society. Sad.

We are free to assemble: hold meetings, get together and discuss… whatever! It is so common in America that I have a hard time even imagining that some people on this globe do not have the right to gather together for whatever reason they want. Unbelievable!

I could go on and on. The right to bear arms. The freedom to travel wherever I want in my country. The right to get an education, join a political party, own private property.

When I think about it, I am privileged indeed.

There is one freedom, however, that I hold most dear. It is not a freedom that can be taken away from me no matter where I live. It can be had by anyone in any country and at any time. It is the freedom to believe in a living God.

While some may disagree with my faith, and there are countries that don’t allow deviation from its prescribed religion, faith in Jesus Christ is a freedom that can never be taken away from anyone. It was not earned by any colony or any political group, a soldier or any other individual on earth. It is a free gift to all no matter what his or her “prescribed” religion is. It has no barriers based on gender, ethnic background or location on this planet.

It is the only freedom that is free to mankind. And it is the most beautiful freedom of all. It can never be taken away. Never be revoked. Never be voted on. Never be quieted. Never be lost.