I read a Christian article titled “Have You Been Set Free?” If this question is asked to professed Christians, the answer would be, “Of course! I’ve been set free by what Jesus did at the cross.”

That’s every believer’s testimony.

The next questions are: Does your everyday life reflect the freedom you describe? Would your friends, your spouse and your children testify that you have been set free?

I don’t know many Christians who are really free. Many are in bondage to their old self, fear, anxiety and man-made religious traditions.

That article made me think of the people who sacrificed for the many freedoms we enjoy today, thanks to our veterans who paid the ultimate price with their lives.

America is called the home of the brave and the land of the free. However, America has more people in bondage now than ever.

We incarcerate more people than most countries. Many depend on the government for survival.

Others are concerned about their finances and failing health. Unemployment robs many of their peace of supplying the necessities for their family.

“Free at last, Free at last” was the cry of Martin Luther King Jr., one of the bravest and greatest Americans who fought for his people’s freedom from the bondage of segregation.

Before I could continue writing about Mr. King, the phone rang. It was from my friend, Charles Julien. He talks more than me, so I hurriedly asked, “Who is a black leader you’ve respected more than any other?”

“Nelson Mandela,” he answered.

I agreed. “But Charles, I’m talking about in America?” I said.

Charles asked me who I thought it was. “Martin Luther King,” I said.

He agreed and mentioned President Obama.

I disagreed and said he has hurt America and black people as much as anyone.

We agreed to disagree, and I moved on to Martin Luther King Jr.

He was the ultimate freedom fighter whose crusade for freedom was won without any violence on his part or the people that marched with him.

He was abused, jailed, threatened and, finally, killed for what he believed. Because of his actions, the Civil Rights Bill was passed that gave equal rights to all Americans.

At last, his cry of “Free at Last, Free at Last” was echoed throughout our country.

Did he die in vain? No, but many black people have chosen to stay in bondage to the past and are influenced by some selfish leaders who speak division for their personal gain.

What Jesus did at the Cross, the veterans in the wars and Martin Luther King Jr. in his crusade for equal rights is fight for our personal freedom.

The main thing is we have to make a choice to accept it. The big difference is what Jesus did is for our eternal freedom. 

The others worked for the freedoms we can enjoy in our earthly walk, if we so choose.

The bottom line is that it’s all up to you.

 

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.