This week marks 250 years since the birth of our nation. That’s a milestone worth stopping to notice.
Like most of you, I’ll probably spend some time around a grill, wave at a parade, watch a few fireworks, and soak up another Northern Michigan summer. And I’ll thank God for the freedoms we’ve been blessed with—especially the freedom to gather every Sunday, open His Word, sing His praises, and share the hope of Jesus without fear. Those freedoms are gifts, and we shouldn’t take them lightly.
But if we’re honest, we also know that every nation has its scars. Every generation has wrestled with brokenness. That’s why I’m thankful that my hope doesn’t rise and fall with headlines, elections, or whoever happens to be in charge.
Paul says it simply: “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).
Before we’re anything else, we’re sons and daughters of the King.
And the freedom Jesus offers runs deeper than anything a government could ever provide. Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” He didn’t just give us freedom from something—He gave us freedom for something. Freedom to love people well. Freedom to forgive. Freedom to lay down our pride. Freedom to walk in grace instead of shame.
Peter lays it out pretty clear: “Live as free people… Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God” (1 Peter 2:16–17). That’s what real freedom looks like. Not doing whatever we want—but becoming the people God created us to be.
So enjoy the fireworks. Eat that burger. Stay up a little too late with friends and family. Celebrate the blessings God has given us.
But somewhere in the middle of the laughter and the sparklers, take a moment to thank the One who gives a freedom that can’t be stripped, can’t be voted away, and wasn’t purchased with silver or gold—but with the blood of Jesus Christ.
Let’s keep praying for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Let’s keep seeking the good of our community (Jeremiah 29:7). And let’s never forget that the brightest hope we can offer this world isn’t found in a capital city—it’s found in an empty tomb.