For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:13 NLT

What emotions does it stir in you when you see a veteran or first responder who has lost limbs or other body parts fighting America’s wars abroad or on the streets of home? We will never truly know all of the ways, large and small, this has altered their lives. Among other things, profound gratitude wells up in me for this selfless sacrifice. They faced the enemy down for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness . They are forever changed. Inside, if not out. As the saying goes, “All gave some, and some gave all.” This includes their wives and families, and moms and dads, who will forever live with the altered reality.

For them, and in acknowledgement of their many, many sacrifices, I will always stand to honor the flag. I will work to contribute to this great country and always be loyal to it. That is the responsibility of freedom.

As great as these sacrifices are, they do not compare with the One Who left unimaginable honor and incomparable beauty to come to earth, live as a mortal, and die a vicious, totally undeserved death. Because we owed a debt we couldn’t pay, He paid a debt He didn’t owe. Then, because He was God, He rose from the tomb and ascended to His rightful place at the right hand of the Father.

This is the One I want to follow. To lay down my life for. The One Who calls me to “take up your cross and follow me.”

I want to behave like a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. Loving God and my neighbor. Spreading the good news of the gospel near and far. That is the responsibility of freedom.