September

Often during sermons I have made a reference to culture as a basis for determining the proper context of interpreting scripture and how to apply it to our lives in Tacoma of 2015. One of the definitions for culture is: the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group. A society’s culture is also shaped by its history. In our history as a nation, a name that is part of our heritage and culture is “The Mayflower.” Its journey exemplifies the value of religious freedom that drives people to pay a hefty price to worship as they deem appropriate. While not all the passengers were religious separatists that did not wish to be associated with the Church of England, the Mayflower has been forever linked with the desire for religious freedom. 

Freedom, a wonderful word, a word that rings through our history and is lifted high as a value for our nation. One of the reasons why freedom comes to mind for me this month is that during our years on the mission field, we served in two countries, Chile and Mexico, both of which celebrate their independence (freedom) in September. 

Freedom, it has a uniquely appealing ring. It means a yoke has been removed, oppression lifted, a new life started. Such is our life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). However, just as the freedom of individuals like the separatists on the Mayflower or the freedom of countries like Chile and Mexico did not come without a price, neither did ours. We recently finished a sermon series on the book of Hebrews where we were reminded of the price paid for our freedom from death, our liberation from the grip of sin and new lives as His children if we accept His gift of salvation by proclaiming Christ our Lord and Savior. Let us move forward through this month cherishing the celebration of our new life in Christ and proclaiming the freedom found only in Him to all we know. Such an endeavor is a lot more edifying than talking like a pirate to commemorate “Talk Like a Pirate Day” on the 19th. Looking in the mirror and proclaiming with resounding joy “I am a child of God who is free!” is much more preferable than looking in the mirror and saying “this is my day because it is Wonderful Weirdo Day” (celebrated on the 9th). I guess I could close with “don’t you think so?” but that would find me commemorating “Ask a Stupid Question Day” which is celebrated on the 27th. 


Have a blessed month celebrating your freedom in Christ, 

Vic