Liberty!

What better topic is there for today, Independence Day!  Jesus’ whole ministry was successfully devoted to liberating his fellow men and women (and children, too!) from every “ill that flesh is heir too.”  He bestowed upon multitudes improved health and wellbeing.  He enabled others, and himself to overcome even death.

Was that kind of independence from sin, disease, and death just a result of his personal intervention and power?  Not at all!  It was due instead, to his relationship with God, a relationship which Jesus declared we all are a part of.  After his resurrection, he said, “I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”  (John 20:17)  By this point, he was pretty clear that nothing could separate us – any of us – from the Creator of all, and the salvation that blessing brought.

The Apostle Paul made clear our role in this when he wrote, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”  (Gal 5:1)

That kind of standing fast includes a realization that the freeing Christ is here and now, not just then; that liberty from the snares of temptation is real and right; that we can – and must – be free from the entanglement of the yoke of bondage.  Understanding the spiritual authority of this statement, and putting it into practice are part and parcel of our work and growth as Christians.  The fact that we can do it is also made clear in Jesus’ promise to his followers.  (John 14:12)

Mary Baker Eddy echoed that sentiment when she wrote, “Citizens of the world, accept the ‘glorious liberty of the children of God,’ and be free!  This is your divine right.”  (Science and Health p. 227)

Divine right is pretty powerful, don’t you think?

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.