A Fourth of July Devotional: Freedom That Leads Us Home
This Fourth of July has stirred something deep within me. With visitors from all over the world here in the U.S. for the soccer games, I’ve listened to their thoughts about our country — and their words have reminded me how precious freedom truly is. Many will return home dreaming not just of visiting America again, but of living here. Their longing makes me pause and thank God for the blessings we often take for granted.
Years ago, as overseas missionaries in two different countries, we learned firsthand what life looks like without the freedoms and abundance we enjoy here. We never desired to live anywhere but America, yet we sold our belongings, bought one-way tickets, and moved our family into a completely different culture for one reason: to tell others about Jesus. No country on earth could have drawn us away from our home. Only the call of Christ could do that.
There were people who would never hear the sweet gospel unless someone went. So we went — not because another nation offered us something better, but because Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” And when our season overseas ended, stepping back onto American soil felt like stepping into grace. Not because of free refills, smooth highways, or a flawless government, but because of the freedom that covers every person who lives here. It’s the kind of freedom that makes you want to kiss the ground when you get off the plane.
It’s this freedom that allowed us to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ in countless churches, on the radio, on TV — without fear of being imprisoned for worshipping the Creator of the universe. It’s the freedom that lets brave souls hand out tracts or preach on a street corner without being silenced.
But as precious as our national freedom is, it is not the first freedom we celebrate.
The freedom of the cross came before the freedom of our flag.
It’s easy — and deeply emotional — to honor our flag, knowing how many have died for what it represents. But loving what our flag stands for does not make someone a follower of Jesus Christ. Patriotism is beautiful, but it is not salvation. Only the cross gives that.
Christ’s freedom is the foundation of every other freedom we enjoy. It is deeper, eternal, and unshakeable. And it is the freedom that calls us home — not just to a country, but to a Savior.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36
So today, as fireworks crackle and flags wave, my heart is grateful. Grateful for a nation where freedom still rings. Grateful for the gospel that set me free long before any earthly liberty could. And grateful that both freedoms — the one bought by soldiers and the one bought by Christ — remind me of the One who calls us to live not just as Americans, but as citizens of His Kingdom.
