Freedom in Christ and Dependence on God

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…The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Galatians 5:1, 6b

As we all know, the United States of America celebrates Independence Day on July 4th. While this day is often marked by festive celebrations and patriotic displays, it should also serve as a meaningful occasion to give thanks to God Almighty for the profound blessings of freedom and liberty that He has graciously bestowed upon us and upon our nation. Especially in these tumultuous and uncertain times, we are called to reflect more deeply on the true meaning and purpose of freedom.


When we speak of freedom, one of the first things that often comes to mind is liberty. Liberty or independence is sometimes misunderstood as the ability to do whatever we please. However, this definition of liberty, whether we realize it or not, can actually mean independence from God. The more we become independent from God, the more overly dependent we become on ourselves. Rather than being free, we will be caught in the shackles of our own pride, selfishness, and sin.


The truth, however, is this: it is in our dependence on God that we find our truest independence. Though it may seem paradoxical, relying on God is what enables us to experience genuine freedom. This freedom is not merely the ability to do whatever we want, but rather the grace to do what we ought. It is the freedom to live as Christ has shown us: the freedom to love, to serve, and to give of ourselves without hesitation or reservation, in faithful obedience to God and in service to others.


As we continue to witness troubling acts of injustice in our communities, let us remember to use our freedom in Christ to stand for what is right, to uphold justice and pursue peace. But let us also recognize that the path to true justice and lasting peace begins in the human heart. We cannot call for change in the world unless we first allow God to transform us from within. Injustice is hate put into action; justice, on the other hand, is love in action. And as people deeply loved by God, we are called to extend that same love to others. True faith reveals itself through love, and love is made visible through our commitment to justice for all our neighbors, without exception.


Let’s remember that God has given us the freedom to do what should be done by depending upon Him and upon the grace and wisdom He provides. Let us not turn a blind eye to the call to bring justice and peace to our communities. Let us build bridges and not create more and more barriers. Let us stand for peace and justice by standing together in love. Hate and injustice will only tear people apart, but love will build us up. Peace and justice will draw people together and bring about reconciliation and harmony.


Thus, when we celebrate our independence, let us acknowledge the fact that as a nation and as citizens and residents of this land that there is much progress to be made. Let us reflect upon on our freedom in Christ and our divine commission to use this freedom to love God and love others wholeheartedly.


May God continue to bless us with a deep and beautiful understanding of true independence, one that leads us not away from Him, but closer to the noble virtue of dependence on Him. And may He bless us, this nation, and the world with His unfailing goodness, abundant grace, and abiding peace.


With love and prayers,
Rev. Christopher Phil Daniel
Vicar, Jerusalem Mar Thoma Church, CT