Happy Dependence Day

It’s that time of year… BBQ, watermelon, homemade ice cream, swimming pools, and fireworks… Tomorrow is the 4th of July… America’s Independence Day.

First, let me be clear… I’m proud to live in what I believe is STILL the greatest country on the planet. I’m grateful for the daily freedoms that men like my father have fought to preserve.

With that being said, I often think for those who profess to be followers of Jesus… We have been far too consumed with being American rather than striving to be like Jesus. We’ve treated Jesus as customizable; We’ve tried to make Him a politically correct, non-offensive version of ourselves, who thinks and acts like an American. We’ve worked hard to conform Him and fashion Him out of the fabric of the American constitution. I’m just not convinced that my identity is to be rooted in my American freedoms. My identity is rooted in the freedom of the Gospel.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. — John 8:36

Don’t be confused though. When we become FREE in Christ, it’s really only as we become DEPENDENT on Him. I truly believe this is why so many in the American church struggle with authentically following Jesus. We’ve been inundated with the idea that we are to be totally independent and we’ve filtered the Gospel through the lens of American politics.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. — John 15:5

As the true vine, Jesus is the source of life and strength and fruit. There is a relationship of complete DEPENDENCE between the branch and the vine. The vine supplies life-giving nourishment to the branches. Apart from it, the branches have neither life nor the production of fruit.

As believers, we MUST abandon the idea of framing the Gospel with our own American perspectives that we simply do not find in scripture. Jesus did NOT die for your freedom as we in America understand freedom… He died that we might surrender and actually become His bond-servant… a slave to the Gospel.

So, celebrate the 4th of July… enjoy the freedoms we have as Americans… However, may we daily celebrate DEPENDENCE DAY… as we die to ourselves and serve Jesus!

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. — Matthew 16:24

HAPPY DEPENDENCE DAY!