Day 5: Liberty
Immediately the song lyrics from My Country Tis of Thee came to mind where it says “…Sweet land of liberty of thee I sing…” and I remember singing this song when I was little and having no idea what it actually was saying. Or think of the pledge of allegiance “with liberty and justice for all.” Again, I said that every day in school growing up and yet what does liberty even mean and what is our understanding of it today?
It means “the quality or state of being free: the power to do as one pleases; freedom from physical restraint; the power of choice; the permission to go freely within specified limits” Again here in the United States we have been blessed with a lot of liberties. So, how have we stewarded them? How have you and I actually used the liberties given well? Honestly, I know that there are many times in my life I should and could have used them better not just for my own selfish ambition or gain - I’ve been greedy.
I’ve taken liberty and have said “This is mine, this should be mine, this can be mine” and have done what I have pleased. To which I am so sorry that I have. I’m sorry that I haven’t used them for the greater glory of the Kingdom and for those around me better. I haven’t stewarded the liberties granted to me well and I ask for forgiveness from Jesus and you. I’m sorry for being selfish, for looking past certain things because we all have the “same liberties.” Because while we live in the same country, realities are that there are differences and they are hidden underneath the table skirts of privilege; and again I am sorry.
Paul writes in Galatians 5:13 “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.” Or in 1 Peter 2:16 it says “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” With these in mind how have you taken liberties given for granted? Or have you used your liberties for your own motives? As you reflect also ask if there are people you need to go and ask for forgiveness?
As Isaiah 61:1 says “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound…” Yes may that be the kind of people we are as we step into today.
Jesus, thank you that you have set us free. That you are the One who binds up the brokenhearted, that You set the captives free, and that You proclaim liberty for all. And so Jesus teach us what that looks like to steward liberties given to us; how to truly use them for good and not evil. Heal the land and may a true understanding of what liberty is ring from the mountain tops and hills! Yes Jesus, forgive us for the ways we have miss-used the liberties that you have ultimately given. Teach us, show us, and leads us into the way of understanding. Amen.
