Freedom is a mindset, not a commodity.
If I really cherish the freedom from sin’s bondage that Jesus Christ provided for me, it wouldn’t make sense to forfeit my political freedom at the same time.
Instead, I desire to be a free man in every respect. Yet I choose to be governed as well.
There was a time when politics was rarely discussed apart from religion. Patrick Henry envisioned his every struggle as a soldier in Christ’s shadow. In his famous speech of 1775 to the Second Virginia Revolutionary Convention, he even suggested that God’s authority to govern was given to men with the expectation that it would be defended unconditionally:
“The question before [us] is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery… [If I] should… keep back my opinions…through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.”
He recognized freedom in the same light Jesus did. Some things were worth dying for:
“What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
He knew that that no illegitimate authority could rightfully rule over him, because only the ones that actually governed had been appointed by God. Every Biblical charge to submit to a governing authority implies that authority to be legitimate. [see: Dan. 2:21; Jn. 19:11; Rom. 13:1-7; 1Pet. 2:13; Titus 3:1]
I often think about how his speech impacted the men he spoke to. Is it possible that many delegates of the Convention were hesitant to bite the hand that had fed them for so long? Do you think that, just like today, a lot of them were afraid to fight for the dignity that freedom provides?
Just like Patrick, Jesus was a fearless defender of human freedom. But both perceived the value of it only in its entirety. In other words, if freedom isn’t sought in everything, then it really can’t be experienced at all.
Even though Jesus Christ has already conquered our biggest enemy through His death, some residue continues to burn on the battlefield. As soldiers of His cross, it’s our job to stamp out those embers before they reignite.
How are we able to acknowledge and celebrate the freedom He gave us if not by example?
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Last Updated: January 4, 2024 by cjournalme
Jesus and Patrick
Freedom is a mindset, not a commodity.
If I really cherish the freedom from sin’s bondage that Jesus Christ provided for me, it wouldn’t make sense to forfeit my political freedom at the same time.
Instead, I desire to be a free man in every respect. Yet I choose to be governed as well.
There was a time when politics was rarely discussed apart from religion. Patrick Henry envisioned his every struggle as a soldier in Christ’s shadow. In his famous speech of 1775 to the Second Virginia Revolutionary Convention, he even suggested that God’s authority to govern was given to men with the expectation that it would be defended unconditionally:
“The question before [us] is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery… [If I] should… keep back my opinions…through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.”
He recognized freedom in the same light Jesus did. Some things were worth dying for:
“What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
He knew that that no illegitimate authority could rightfully rule over him, because only the ones that actually governed had been appointed by God. Every Biblical charge to submit to a governing authority implies that authority to be legitimate. [see: Dan. 2:21; Jn. 19:11; Rom. 13:1-7; 1Pet. 2:13; Titus 3:1]
I often think about how his speech impacted the men he spoke to. Is it possible that many delegates of the Convention were hesitant to bite the hand that had fed them for so long? Do you think that, just like today, a lot of them were afraid to fight for the dignity that freedom provides?
Just like Patrick, Jesus was a fearless defender of human freedom. But both perceived the value of it only in its entirety. In other words, if freedom isn’t sought in everything, then it really can’t be experienced at all.
Even though Jesus Christ has already conquered our biggest enemy through His death, some residue continues to burn on the battlefield. As soldiers of His cross, it’s our job to stamp out those embers before they reignite.
How are we able to acknowledge and celebrate the freedom He gave us if not by example?
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