By Dave Saviola, Arborbrook Financial
Within a short period of time, two major holidays prompt us to reflect and commemorate the history of the United States. One a somber reminder of the sacrifice it takes and the price that is continually paid to protect and retain our freedom, and one a celebration of the birth of this great nation that has many times been a beacon of hope to the world.
If you are reading this and you have ever served in the military or as a first responder, we would like to pause to honor you and thank you for all that you have done.
Receiving an amazing gift from someone, especially someone you do not even know is humbling and brings great joy. Gifts come in many forms, but the most meaningful ones tend to be those that are completely unexpected and not able to be repaid. A very long time before the U.S. was even a thought, Jesus said “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Friends? Really? That either means He died for just a small handful of people He hung out with on this earth, or that you and I are friends of the God of the universe.
This gift of ultimate freedom, Amazing Grace (as several songs have proclaimed), is one we should be focused on continually, especially now during a season of time when some are trying to divide us. No one earns a gift, but when you are genuinely grateful for something you can’t help but respond in a certain way. What are we doing with the time, money, house, job, business, or influence we have been given?
There was a man who once threatened and murdered Christians who received this heavenly gift of freedom while he was on his way to persecute them further. Overcome by the great joy of being truly freed by Christ, he later wrote “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy yourself. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”
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