liberty

“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.”

Galatians 5:13

In the 1970’s, my family immigrated to the United States in search of a better life. That better life was freedom from a communistic government that was oppressive to its people and nation. That better life was also knowing that America would give them the opportunity to reap what they were able to sow, not only for themselves, but for the next generations to come. It also meant freedom to live life in liberty and in pursuit of happiness. They worked hard, abided by the laws of the land, put in the utmost effort to learn the language (and adapt to an alternative culture) while maintaining both the language and culture of the homeland to ensure future generations remember where their ancestors came from. They found gainful employment, and in addition, opened small family-owned and operated business. Over time, they became U.S. citizens and they reaped many rewards from the land of opportunity they came to live in.

Over the years, I have heard the beautiful and not-so-beautiful histories of what my ancestors, grandparents, and parents all experienced in the homeland. In those same stories, we were always reminded how lucky (the generation born here), truly are. When you are born into something that resembles privilege (in terms of abundance, opportunity, and resources) and if you haven’t experienced life outside of Americas “first-world” problems, you truly don’t realize how fortunate you are…. until one day, that privileged life is gone. Although, the privileged life we were given here in America was not given freely. It came at the price of our brave forefathers, and those self-sacrificing souls who fought for (and died) so that America could be called the Land of the Free. 

The question is… are we (as a society) truly free?

Unfortunately, histories get forgotten. The “lessons-learned” manuscripts become buried archives, and over time, those past events recycle themselves into modern day plot-twists. The over played breaking-news stories of half-truths, smoke and mirror pacification, and/or fearmongering bureaucracy resurfaces to meet modern day objectives which is ultimately meant to (covertly or not-so-covertly) take away another sliver of what our forefathers fought for – our freedom. 

Throughout history, not just in America but throughout the world, the enemy has used the works of the flesh (wickedness, deceit, pride, sexual immorality, coveting, murder, theft, foolishness, enslavement, slander – to name just a few) to wage war on God’s people. The wicked oppose churches built on HIS rock, family structure, morality, and nations seeking freedom to live life peacefully – in liberty and in pursuit of happiness. The war is (and always has been) that of good versus evil, held in a spiritual realm, and brought to earth’s battleground. 

To paraphrase the ultimate forefather…in our Lord’s teachings, we are called to freedom to serve one another. I believe that most of humanity, although not perfect, fights on behalf of God to serve this world with a spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. With tenacity, they carry the torch of our forefathers for the sake of humanity, their children, and their children’s children.

There are those who are brave enough to seek (and speak) the truth while brightly shining the light into the abyss of darkness. Unfortunately, not all of society will view these people as heroes because this battlefield of good versus evil is unlike any other war. This battle is the ultimate fight for salvation of souls. So, the evil ones will work relentlessly to try and discredit, disgrace, punish, and break down anyone who stands in the way of their manipulative and destructive agenda.

At times, the darkness does not even try to hide. The devil is out there for everyone to see; using people, politics, “churches”, and corporation to taunt Gods creation by openly misbranding and objectifying every promise and good word that God intended for HIS people. And other times, he is like a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing; using people, politicians, those who promised to do no harm, and promised to serve and protect to mislead and deceive society into further enslavement. Ultimately his goal is to steal as many souls as possible to join him in eternal damnation. 

Like in any wars that are fought, there is always an account of souls lost on the battlefield. Since God already won, the objective in the ongoing earthly battle is to reclaim and save as many souls as possible and reunite them with their creator.

The proclamation to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, and to turn away from the works of the flesh is the ultimate liberty in pursuit of happiness. The salvation of the soul equates to the chains of bondage being removed, and a life of eternal freedom. 

If you haven’t joined God’s army yet and are curious about what true freedom may look like; take the steps, seek the truth, or say the words… and behold your liberty.  

LOVE, with all my HEART,

Natalie