Freedom Isn't Free

As I reflect upon the approaching holiday, (Friday will be the 4th of July)I can't help but focus upon freedom and it's cost. I think as a whole, we are slowly losing perspective on what it really costs for us to be free. Sometimes, as Americans, we seem to trample on the grace that freedom really allows us. For instance....there has been an awful lot of discussions about Hobby Lobby on Facebook lately. They won their Supreme Court case against being forced to pay for abortions dealing with insurance. People are appalled at this decision....yet they should be down on their knees thanking God that the Supreme Court will still allow some of these freedoms. We have the right to open businesses and choose how we run them. We still have our right to bear arms...but for how long. America is slowly being indoctrinated by the media and government that it is a good thing to slowly give up all of their constitutional rights and have mandated rules and regulations (not by the people) but by whoever the people in charge feels is necessary to do to get the people to all mindlessly follow. If we speak out, and try to fight against our rights slowly being taken away, we are sometimes even condemned by our own peers. And believe me, if the word "Christian" or "religious" happens to be attached to it in some way, there doesn't seem to be much tolerance at all. It won't be long (already happening to some degree), when church denominations will not be allowed to exist because,their differences are too offensive or divisive. We are entering a socialist world view. Is that what America really wants to become? Is that what you really want to see happen? Because we are only about one generation away from becoming that. America has become fat, selfish individuals who want more, more, and more! We are living in a material world and only crying injustice if it affects something that we happen to care about. We donate billions of dollars to save the puppies, whales, seals, owls, prairie dogs etc, then turn around and donate and support pro-choice institutions, killing our future children.....in the pretense that this is about the women, ignoring the fact that this is a real baby. Now, don't get me wrong, we should be taking care of the earth and of women and all the other things....but where is our perspective? What is happening to our hearts? Why are we becoming so callous and selfish? Millions of men and women and eighteen year old boys have died for the freedom of America and it's almost like Americans are yelling at their graves.."Well, we didn't ask you to!" But do you realize that in order for you to be able to have the right to do the things you can.....your freedom, America's freedom, cost them their lives. Why are we so abusing the grace of this freedom? Yes! It is your right.....because as of today...we are still free! But how much longer do you have before the doors burst open and you surrender all your rights and become slaves to the government or worse the United Nations. Pornography is running rampant in our country...yet we are still free to choose to look at it. We should take pride in our country....but we still have the freedom to burn the flag and bash our president. We can post some of the most disgusting things on Facebook and utilize our Freedom of Speech in whatever foul way we want....because there was a cost to this freedom. We still live in a land that allows you the freedom to pretty much "do whatever you want". We are seeing this freedom implemented in Colorado with the legalization of pot and the same sex marriages. We can still go to church and talk about God (although it's getting harder to talk about Jesus). Guess that name has a little too much divisiveness and intolerance attached to it. I guess what I'm really saying is....think about the freedoms and opportunities that affords you to pursue your dreams and desires (whether they be honorable or dishonorable) to the people who gave the ultimate sacrifice for you to enjoy this freedom at this very moment! Please, take this freedom seriously! Don't be willing to sell your birthright (America's freedom) for a bowl of soup! Don't trample the grace that allows you the freedom to live life abundantly. Freedom isn't free! There is always a cost or a sacrifice involved. This fourth of July.....Enjoy Your Freedom......it may not be here tomorrow!