Freedom. It isn't free and it's isn't a gift

I heard President Bush on TV other day repeat a phrase he is known for: "Freedom is God's gift to every man, woman, and child."

I understand Bush's intent here, but he is clearly wrong.

What got me to thinking about this is a quote BigDog sent me:

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." - Ronald Reagan

The only freedom God gives to us as a gift is the freedom to choose Him or not in this life. And that choice can and is made whether we are free or in bondage. Apostle Paul wrote in scripture that “there is neither slave nor free” in Christ (Gal. 3:28). It tells us that our unity in Christ transcends all identity on this earth. This includes political and class identity.

Freedom is not a gift, as Reagan's quote points out, it is something that man must fight for. And when obtained, we must protect it.

The freedom we relish in this country, we clearly take for granted. But freedom requires discipline. It is entirely separate from our belief in God. Believers and non believers benefit from freedom. Freedom is universally wonderful in that it enhances lives and brings more prosperity and happiness to those who live under it's banner. That is why it is always right to do what we can as a a nation to help those in the world enjoy the same freedoms that we enjoy.

I worry about the future of our freedom. It can be taken away inch by inch. The more we allow government to control aspects of our lives, the less freedom we have. We must be on guard the coming years.

It is our task as citizens of a country that proved to the world that freedom works.