Freedom to Love and Serve One Another

Reading in Galatians and mulling over my morning devotion stir this story about freedom and love. “Let love be your greatest aim…” 1 Corinthians 14:1 should ring loud and clear from every heart in our nation as we are called to LOVE (even when we dislike and have different views) one another. So, do we truly love our neighbor...even when they don’t look, act, dress, live or even believe like we do? Do we cherish freedoms put in place by our forefathers? Are we respectful of people in leadership, even when corruption seems to be a new normal? Do we love enough to serve one another, staying true to God’s Word and ways even if persecution comes to us as it did to Paul in Galatians and other loyal followers of Christ? Do we cherish the freedom to love and serve one another?

“For you are called to freedom, brethren; only, do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another.” Galatians 5:13

Great leaders prayed and paved the way for America to grow greater, stronger, and stay one nation under God with liberty and justice for all! Abraham Lincoln,whose birthday we celebrated last week, is one of those heroic men who stood tall, made difficult decisions, and helped America deal with and heal through tough times.

Abraham Lincoln came from the humblest of homes. He grew up without good lighting or plumbing, good schools or even a good diet. He came from obscurity and failure, heartbreak and ridicule, to hold the highest office in the land: The Presidency of the United States.

President Lincoln said some strong things while leading through hard times in our country that would be most fitting to say to us today:

“A house divided against itself cannot stand. Our cause must be entrusted to, and conducted by, its own undoubted friends, those whose hands are free, whose hearts are in the work, who do care for the results.

We are indeed going through a great trial, a fiery trial. In the very responsible position in which I happened to be placed, being a humble instrument in the hands of our Heavenly Father, as I am, and as we all are, to work out His great purposes...I have desired that all my works and acts may be according to His endeavoring to do my best in the light which He affords me. I find my efforts fail, I must believe that for some purpose unknown to me, He wills it otherwise. Through our limited understanding we may not be able to comprehend His purpose...yet we cannot but believe that He who made the world still governs it. The Will of God Prevails!”

Thank you, Mr. Lincoln!”

My heart overflows with love and appreciation for the freedoms and blessings beyond measure we enjoy and take for granted while “Living in America”! While we witness a decline in respect, rigor, and responsibility to stand up for freedom, God’s way, and show we are proud to be Americans, a rebellious mindset rises up from sea to shining sea. What would the apostle Paul say to us? “Grace and spiritual blessing be to you and peace from God, the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ who gave Himself up for our sins...I am surprised and astonished that you are so quickly turning renegade and deserting Him Who invited and called you by the grace of Christ” “ “We cannot always be God-pleasers and people-pleasers at the same time. I choose to be a servant of the Lord and not be popular with people!” Galatians 1: 1-10

What would Honest Abe say: “A house (America) divided against itself cannot stand. Our cause must be entrusted to leaders whose hands are free, whose hearts are in the work, and who do care for the results...yet, we cannot but believe that He who made the world still governs it and THE WILL of GOD PREVAILS!”

What do we say...__________________________?

Preacher Bill Jones would say… “Are you listening, are you sure you’re listening? “

God is listening to what we say and sees what we do! Let us share love while cherishing and seeking ways to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day... living in America.