Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…
No one denies we have certain freedoms in the United States which most of the world cannot experience. That’s why I love a good Fourth of July celebration, replete with hot dogs, watermelon, and fireworks.
However, our ultimate freedom lies in Christ. John 8:36 Jesus tells us, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we have been made free indeed. This is illustrated in the following poem I wrote originally for Christmas but have modified slightly to commemorate this time of year.
Freedom in Christ
By Barbara Dahlgren (2012)
Jesus came to earth so we
Now are pardoned and set free
Free from the penalty of sin
Free from death to live again
Free to follow in Christ’s way
Free to trust, free to obey
Free to give and to receive
God’s great love if we believe
Free from doubts that soon appear
Free from worry, free from fear
Free to serve and free to share
Free to praise our Lord in prayer
Free to fix our eyes above
Free to bear the fruit of love
Free from darkness into light
Free to walk by faith, not sight
Free to cherish and embrace
Love and peace, joy and grace
We are accepted by blood spilt
Don’t feel condemned and full of guilt
True freedom only comes through Christ
He’s the One who paid the price
On Fourth of July, I think of He
Who came so all could be set free
*****
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
