Do we recognize our own bondage? I read that early in an elephant's life, he is tied between two strong trees where he is unable to break free. He will pull against the chains to no avail and after a time, he will be defeated. He will no longer pull against the ropes and chains, and then the elephant is broken and can be tied with light rope or a simple clasp around the ankle. The elephant does not realize how easy it would be to break free because he is in bondage and does not realize it.

In our world today, I wonder how many people are in bondage without recognizing a better, fulfilling life that comes when we are "in the Spirit." Paul mentions the sinful nature (bondage) in Galatians 5:19-21a when he writes, "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like." Many of these conditions are actions that are celebrated as truly living life under the auspice of the "freedom" to do what I want. The reality is that each of these actions of the sinful nature causes us to become more deeply in bondage, walking away from the gift God offers to us for true freedom.

This week, we celebrate Independence Day in the United States. We think back to a time in our country where the tyranny of another country's excessive rule, led a group of men and women to place their lives on the line to release themselves so they could experience freedom. The battles that were fought were intense and many people died on the battlefields seeking this freedom. I wonder if we have the same passion and willingness to sacrifice that more people might be freed from the bondage to sin and death, and that they might experience freedom to live a life pleasing unto God.

Are you really free today from the bondage within you? Have you allowed the Holy Spirit's power to break the power of sin in your life that you might continue to grow in grace and truth? Are you seeking people around you who are in bondage and offering them the transforming love and grace of Jesus Christ to free them?

I know I will join in some of the celebrations around our country's freedom, but I pray I will also spend as much time giving God thanks for the freedom I have in Christ. For the reality is, my freedom in Christ is what truly brings me life. There are men and women around the world who live under a tyrannical government, but they are free in Christ and experiencing the fullness of life.

Prayer: Thank you for our freedom that is found in you, O Lord. Where we are still in bondage, free us and give us life. Help us to notice the men and women around us who are in need of freedom in their lives, and give us the words to show them the way. Amen.