Law of Liberty

As we celebrate 250 years of independence tomorrow, I’ve been thinking about liberty and freedom – not just what they mean for us as a nation, but even more importantly, what they mean in faith.  The more I reflect, the more I realize that both kinds of liberty share the same struggle:  they require humility, conviction, and a willingness to submit to God’s authority.

Our nation’s story – and our own spiritual journeys – show how easily freedom can be compromised when we lose sight of the One who gives it.

This poem is my attempt to honor the journey of freedom, both as a nation and in faith, with the hope of focusing our thoughts on our Source of true liberty:

“Law of Liberty”

The battle started on their knees,
with them praying relentlessly,
desperately seeking liberty
but under God’s authority;
they wanted freedom shaped by grace,
and have all tyranny replaced,
fully believing freedom stands
when grasping tightly to God’s hands.

For them the fighting was severe,
but through their faith they persevered,
clinging to a righteous call,
desiring freedom above all;
For them no earthly, mortal king,
could claim their sacred offering,
they found in scripture perfect law,
it was God’s wisdom without flaw.

In time their freedom they did earn,
and their oppression they did spurn,
but liberty’s experiment,
required they be vigilant,
while holding tight to faithfulness,
resisting any lawlessness,
they knew Godly obedience
should be their guide for governance.

With independence accomplished,
the danger was not diminished,
the building of a new nation
was very rife with temptation,
the leaders constantly assessed,
and laws were often then refreshed,
their focus though, it did not change,
unalienable rights were to remain.

Life, liberty, and happiness,
still to this day such a hard quest,
for many it seems logical,
for others just rhetorical;
Under the Lord we’re all equal,
in need of grace, fallen people,
God’s law provides the needed guide,
for liberty, how to abide.

Sadly, in all reality,
we know the quest for liberty,
Still fiercely rages on today,
and it will never go away;
for though the victory’s been won,
the enemy still battles on,
but thankfully our Savior lives,
through Him we know what freedom is.

***

For those willing to sacrifice all for freedom 250 years ago, liberty was a blessing, but also a burden.  Exciting, yet daunting.  Joyful, but still dangerous.

As I ponder liberty today, I’m reminded that it’s not something just attained, but something practiced.  It’s not passive, but active.  It shouldn’t be taken for granted, but cherished.

And it most likely will never be perfect…but maybe ok if just more perfect.

Ultimately, both then and now, liberty is a story of grace – God’s grace – unmerited grace.

May the Lord guide us and sustain us, and may we have His law of liberty written on our hearts!

Stan