There is a false notion advocated by our culture that Christianity is restrictive and stifling. It’s the idea that God’s commandments are like prison bars that keep you back from the fun you want to have. That you are like a slave who has to do whatever God tells you to do.

Nothing could be further from the truth. It is when we decide to give our lives, our wills, and our futures into His control that we are truly set free. As the apostle John said, “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

Before coming to Christ, we are enslaved to sin, tied down with heavy chains to guilt and worry. But Jesus liberates captives. He bore the penalty for our sin so that we don’t have to serve our sentence. We can walk out of our jail cells as free men and women thanks to the work of Christ on the cross.

When we follow Jesus and submit to Him, we find more joy and happiness in His plans than we ever could by following our own ambitions and desires.

No matter where in the world you are today, you have reason to celebrate because every day is Independence Day when you are a believer. Jesus has set you free!