During the month of July, we in the United States celebrate Independence Day. All across the country, people enjoy parades, picnics, flag waving, and fireworks to commemorate the day. But these things only serve to remind us that we live in a country where we have the privilege of being free.

I'm proud that I'm an American. I thank God for the freedom we have in this great land. But our freedom didn't come without a cost. The price for our freedom was the shedding of precious American blood.

Just as America has sent her sons and daughters around the world to fight for our freedom and, if necessary, to shed their blood for us, God sent His Son, Jesus, to Golgotha's hill where He spilled His blood that you and I might be spiritually free. John 8:36 says, "If the Son [Jesus] therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

No man, woman, young person, or child, is truly free unless they know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. But if we have Jesus in our hearts, we can be free, no matter what the political climate, the condition of the economy, or any other circumstance.

As "freedom rings" across America this month, may spiritual freedom also ring in our hearts. When we enjoy the fireworks, picnics, and parades, and when we pay tribute to the Stars and Stripes, may we also pay tribute to the blood-stained banner of the Lord Jesus Christ!

And as we celebrate our natural and spiritual freedom, let us also take this opportunity to show those around us the way to Heaven. We hold the keys; not only to our spiritual freedom, but to the spiritual freedom of those we come in contact with each day. We have the awesome privilege of telling them the Good News, that they can be born again and "let freedom ring" in their hearts. Then they can enjoy with us the wonderful freedom that God has made available through His Son, Jesus Christ!

Editor's Note: This article was adapted from the July 2009 issue of The Word of Faith.