We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Do these words ring a bell? If not, I would encourage you to go online and read a document called, “The Declaration of Independence.” Written by a man named Thomas Jefferson, this document holds within it the basis for our independence as a nation. Its interesting that each year we celebrate the 4th of July and rarely call it “Independence Day.” Whether we celebrate the day or not, all who live in this country benefit from the freedom provided by others, whether present or past. In our nation’s 231 year history since it was written, we have seen in action how, “We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” As Christians, we kick things up a notch. Our responsibilities to each other are not simply the result of our citizenship in America but also our citizenship in Heaven. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Gal. 5:1). Our freedom in Christ carries with it the privilege of mutually pledging our lives, our talents, and our integrity to each other. I hope you will take a chance to read the Declaration of Independence this week, and also reflect on our Freedom in Christ and the heavenly citizenship it brings.
~Josh Kellar
Taking It Home
Ask your children what freedoms they have living in America.
Talk with them about the cost of freedom. “Freedom isn’t always free!”
Ask one of your children to read aloud John 8:34-36. Ask what it would be like to be a slave.
So what does it mean to be a slave to sin?
What does it mean that Christ has set us free from our slavery to sin? (Younger children may not fully understand this. It’s ok! You are laying a foundation)