Today is Independence Day in this country, the day in 1776 on which this country declared its independence from England. Although independence was declared by this country it took a long and bloody war with England before that country recognized this country as an independent nation. Throughout the years many men and women have given up their lives in order that we might enjoy the independence and freedom that we have in this nation. We should never forget that freedom does not come free!
Ironically, in this nation that is celebrating independence and freedom, the vast majority of people are living a life of slavery. What makes the matter even worse is that many of these people do/not even realize that they are not free and independent! You might be thinking, "How is this possible? Slavery ended in this country well over 150 years ago." Remember the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 6:16, 'Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" Sadly, in this nation there are so many who die each day that are servants of sin. In all our freedom we pursue material wealth and forget about eternity. Jesus pointed out a very important question that we need to remember and answer. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26). What are you personally willing to give up for freedom from sin? What will you give for your soul?