Connecting all generations to Jesus, His Word and each other; Reflecting His Love in Word and deed.
Dear Christian Friends:
A parade, cookout, and fireworks - like millions of Americans this week, my mind is on the Fourth of July
holiday and what it represents: our freedom as a nation.
This freedom is a precious thing, bought with the sweat, toil and blood of countless Americans who initially
fought to obtain it (Revolutionary War), as well as those who have fought to secure it in the centuries since that
fateful day in 1776.
But even as I prize my freedom as an American, I am moved to consider a greater freedom--my freedom in
Christ. It is the freedom that comes with being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Luther in his 1520 writing On Christian Freedom said:
"A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none;
A Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to everyone."
Although these statements appear contradictory, yet, when they are found to agree together, they will do
excellently for my purpose. They are both the statements of Paul himself, who says, 'Though I be free from all
men, yet have I made myself a servant unto all' (I Cor. 9: 19), and 'Owe no man anything but to love one another'
(Rom. 8:8). Now love is by its own nature dutiful and obedient to the beloved object. Thus even Christ, though
Lord of all things, was yet made of a woman; made under the law; at once free and a servant; at once in the form
of God and in the form of a servant."
We are "subject to none" and "subject to everyone."
As Americans, we get the "subject to none." Have you ever heard anyone say:
"You don't own me." "You can't make me." "I can do whatever I want." "I am a free person."
Yes, we get being "subject to none."
But do we get being "subject to everyone"?
St. Paul says: For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the
flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13 ESV
Being "subject to everyone" is loving and serving one another.
Are you serving your neighbor? Your friends? Your family? Your spouse?
Are you tending to their needs? Or are you serving your flesh?
Christ calls us to serve. In action we tend to the needs of others - their physical needs, and yes, their spiritual
needs. We not only need to clothe, feed, and support the physical needs of others, but we also need to share the
Word of God for their spiritual needs. The homeless not only need a blanket, but also the comforting Word of
God. Your friend shedding tears over the loss of a loved one not only needs your hug, but also God's promise
that all in Christ will live eternally.
On this Fourth of July, give thanks to God for our American freedoms, but also give thanks for our freedom found
in Christ!
God be with you,
Pastor Hartwig
