fireworks

Good morning…

What does freedom really look like on this complex fourth of July? In the Message translation, 1 Peter 2:16-17 simplifies our answer.

  1. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules.
  2. Treat everyone you meet with dignity.
  3. Love your spiritual family.
  4. Revere God.
  5. Respect the government.

Now my thoughts are drawn back to our recent post Simplicity is About Freedom. One single insight continues to guide me. “Simple living is a statement of presence,” writes José Hobday. “The real me. This simplicity makes us welcome among the wealthy and the poor alike.”

As we celebrate the gift of life with the poor and the wealthy, our freedom is exercised by serving God, treating everyone with dignity, loving our spiritual family, revering God, and respecting our government. As “the real me” is fully present, living God’s way, freedom expands inside and out.

….Sue…