Freedom and Faith

America is a nation that has been created on a foundation of freedom, liberty, and justice for all. The driving force behind the creation of America was – oppression. The founders of America were people who believed in God and Jesus, and with good reason. They knew the Lord would help to set them and their fellow citizens free if they followed the word of God; He did no less for the people of Moses.

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” - John 8 31:32

Jesus himself is the truth that sets us free; he is the source of truth, the very standard of what is right. He frees us from the consequences of sin and self-deception. Jesus shows us the way to eternal life with God. Make no mistake; however, Jesus does not give us the freedom to do whatever we please – he gives us the freedom to follow God.

The founders of America knew this; they were aware of the fact that sin has a way of enslaving us, controlling us, and dominating us – dictating our actions. With absolutely no disregard for the citizens of England in this time frame, the British soldiers during the time America was fighting for independence were the picture of oppression. The founders of America were very wise to reach for Jesus as an example in their daily lives. America – we do not need to re-learn the lessons of oppression again. If sin is restraining, mastering, or enslaving us, Jesus can break its power over us and our lives.

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” - John 8:58

When questioned about who He was, God stated, “I am who I am!” Jesus is the Son of God and through this profound statement He has said, very clearly, that he is the divine Son of God, applying God's name to himself. This statement in the Bible was, and still is, in the Bible – the Founders certainly read it. They knew who they could place faith and trust in.

“As He went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” - John 1:5

During the time Jesus was here in physical form on Earth, the people who were a part of Jewish culture of the time commonly believed that disability was the result of sin. In our current time frame we live in a fallen world, one where good behavior is not always rewarded, or bad behavior punished. Innocent people at times suffer. God is not the corner store of convenient healing.

If God healed us every time we experienced an illness, injury, or form of disability, our relationship with God would become one of convenience instead of one of love and devotion, or of faith. Despite the reason for the suffering we may experience at any particular time in our lives, Jesus has the power to help us deal with it. Ask God to give you strength to endure it, as well as a clearer perspective on what is happening.

At this time, some people in America have chosen to pursue a perspective of their relationship with God as one of convenience. Others have chosen to deny or ignore God and Jesus. The results of these choices are apparent at times. Those of us who believe; however, live a life that is quite different – we know the freedom, liberty, justice, and principles this nation was founded on. We know why the founders of this nation reached for God as a model.

By T. Weiss