Independence Day and Spiritual Freedom

7/6/2025

As we gather today, our nation has been buzzing from the preparations for Independence Day. Across the country flags waved, parades excited us, patriotic music inspired us, and fireworks displays lit up the night sky. July 4th is a powerful reminder of the birth of our nation, a day when brave men and women declared their independence, risking everything for the promise of freedom and a better future.

And as children of God, we are called to reflect on a deeper, eternal freedom – one that transcends national borders, political boundaries, earthly governments, and is found in our relationship with God. Today, I want us to explore how the themes of Independence Day can illuminate our path to spiritual growth and a thriving relationship with God.

When the American colonists declared independence, they were breaking free from the tyranny and oppression of a foreign power. They sought liberation from a rule that stifled their rights and burdened their lives. Spiritually, we too are often enslaved – not by an earthly king, but by our egos and decisions. Sin, in its various forms, binds us, dictates our choices, and separates us from the very source of life and true freedom. It promises pleasure but delivers bondage. It whispers autonomy but leads to slavery.

Christ came to set us free from this spiritual tyranny. Just as the Declaration of Independence was a bold statement, our acceptance of Christ is a declaration of independence from the dominion of darkness. In John 8:34-36: “Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’”

Now that Independence Day still wafts in our minds, let us ask ourselves: Are there areas in my life where darkness still holds me captive? Are there habits, attitudes, or desires that keep me from experiencing the freedom Christ offers? Let us, by Spirit’s power, declare our independence from these chains through changing our habits and thoughts, and renewing our commitment to walk more freely in God’s love.

Independence is a relative idea; we become independent of one thing to become dependent upon something else. The Declaration of Independence was a statement of autonomy, a bold assertion of self-governance. In essence, it was a document of transference of dependence, from a foreign government to our own nation. As a child of God, true spiritual independence leads to a beautiful and liberating paradox: We become independent of the world and its influences and declare our absolute dependence on God.

Christ demonstrated interdependence, the next progression in spiritual growth. Interdependence is living in community, relying on God, and serving others in love. Behind many people’s claim for independence is fear, the unwillingness to connect at an emotional level, and a desire to reject input. Interdependence means to rely on one another in a way that is not unhealthy or creates imbalanced power.

The colonists, even in their pursuit of independence, often invoked divine help. There was an awareness of interdependence. They understood that ultimate success came from a higher power. Similarly, our spiritual journey thrives not in self-reliance, but in God-reliance. We cannot grow spiritually, overcome temptation, or truly live out our purpose in our own strength. We need Him. In John 15:5 Jesus tells us: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

As the echoes of Independence Day fade in our minds, let us consciously declare our independence from the temptations of our earthly human natures, and assert our dependence on God. Let us lay down our self-sufficiency and embrace the truth that our strength, wisdom, and very breath come from Him.

The freedom we celebrated on July 4th was not free. It came at an immense cost: the selfless surrender of countless individuals, their lives, their blood, sweat, and tears. We remember this sacrifice, just as we remember the suffering endured by Jesus Christ to secure our spiritual freedom. His crucifixion was the ultimate act of love so that we might be truly free. John 3:16 tells us: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

After declaring independence, the American founders embarked on the monumental task of building a new nation, founded on principles of liberty, justice, and self-governance. They established an interdependent community, a union of states, to collectively pursue these ideals. Spiritually, when we declare our independence from worldly ways and temptations and our dependence on God, we usher in a "new nation" – the Kingdom of God. We become new creations in Christ, and we are called to build up the spiritual community, the Church. Our spiritual growth is not meant to be a solitary journey; it thrives within the context of fellowship and mutual support. Interdependence is a life of spirit-infused sacrifice connected to other people instead of a life of narcissism.

Ephesians 4:1-3: “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received—be humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Independence Day, with its festivities, is a powerful reminder of freedom. But let us not stop at the earthly celebration. I pray that we declare our independence from the bondage of our mistakes, knowing that Christ has set us free indeed. I pray that we embrace our freedom through interdependence by declaring our absolute dependence on Christ while loving each other.  And let us embrace our calling as new creations, building up the Kingdom of God within ourselves and within our community.

May this Independence Day be more than just a holiday; may it be a spiritual catalyst, a moment when we truly grasp the depth of our freedom in Christ and commit ourselves anew to growing in our relationship with all our brothers and sisters in spirit and the Divine One, who truly sets us free.