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Independence
June 29, 2013

In the United States, July 4th is celebrated as Independence Day and for those of us who call the United States home, we equate independence with freedom. We also understand that freedom is not free and unfortunately, recent military conflicts have shown us the casualties of war. Independence comes with its price. The founding fathers pledged much to each other including their fortunes. For them it was an all or nothing deal. For the believers out there, we enjoy independence, too. Our spiritual independence is not free; it also comes with a cost. So let's take a look at spiritual independence, and its cost.

1 Peter 1:18-19
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Our spiritual life is made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus. His death paid for our sins and makes possible our salvation. What Jesus did for us is originate the process for us. It's sort of like taking out a home mortgage. Jesus originated it and provided the money. Whether or not we finish the mortgage and repay the debt is up to us. Along the way in the journey of our life, we have to make choices consistent with the faith that is within us and every day we have to count the costs.

Luke 14:25-35
And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Jesus paid a price for us and throughout our life we have a price to pay as well, and the price we must be willing to pay is to give up everything that is more valuable than our relationship with Jesus and the Father through the down payment that is within each of us through the Holy Spirit. As we perfect this relationship we become self-empowered to overcome all things, and independence truly belongs to those who overcome all things.

1 John 5:4
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Looking back through the advantage of history, we know the outcome of the American Revolution. To those who pledged much to each other including their fortune, the act must have taken deep conviction and faith. Each and every day we are called to this same requirement, to pledge all for the Kingdom of God, and as we are able to surrender ourselves to God and his plan of salvation, we celebrate what is good, embrace what is good, and do what is good.

All verses are from the King James Version.
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