Celebrate the right freedom

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." -- Gal. 6:14

I love fireworks.

Ever since I was old enough to light a match, I was throwing smoke bombs, setting off bottle rockets and writing in the dark of night with sparklers.

I'm also very proud of our military folks.

My father was a Army veteran and had a vast collection of medals and honors from his time in the service. My first shotgun was a confiscated weapon from a mayor of a German village which my father's platoon attacked.

So, any holiday that honors our veterans and/or has fireworks connected to it, count me in.

But I'm also troubled when I see folks take more pride in holidays such as Memorial Day and July 4 than in their Lord and Savior.

Just two weeks ago, I was at a recital for my little girl, Olivia. She's involved with Angels' Wings, an interpretive sign language choir that has touched thousands of people over the years in ministry settings such as churches, nursing homes, Emmaus Walks, etc.

For at least an hour, the girls involved in this anointed ministry sang and signed praises to Jesus. I was a mess before the end of the first song!

As I was worshiping, I noticed an elderly woman in front of me who, on the surface, did not appear to be moved at all. She sat stoic and solemn throughout the evening. That is, until, the girls signed to "God bless America." At the end of that song, the smaller girls paraded in waving miniature American flags while the older girls finished their signing.

This woman was now in tears and applauded enthusiastically at the end.

Bear with me. I'm not judging this woman. But as a pastor over the last 13 years, I have seen plenty of folks get teary-eyed and very moved at the celebration and remembrance of this country's freedom, but remain untouched and hardened at the mention of freedom in Jesus Christ.

And that troubles me. It appears that for some, we have substituted patriotism for being born-again. For some, being an American is confused with being a Christian. (It would be wise of us to remember that if God had a favorite country, it's probably Israel, not the USA.)

Don't get me wrong. I'm probably more patriotic than most folks I know. I still cry at fireworks! But that is not my first boast. In fact, it's probably not in the top 10.

When I boast, I want to brag on what my Jesus has done in and through me, even despite me. When I boast, I want all glory to go to the Father in heaven who has shown me such mercy and grace. When I boast, I want the attention on the Holy Spirit who lives and moves and has His being within me.

When I boast of freedom, I want everyone to know it's Jesus who paid that price. And I am forever in love with Him.

Now that's worth a fireworks celebration!