Let Freedom Ring!

As far as I can tell, the phrase “let freedom ring” was popularized first in the song “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” (also called “America”), which was written by Samuel Francis Smith. The phrase ends the first verse of the song, which originally contained four stanzas.

The simple words were a call to let others know of the joy of freedom. In fact, the song later had several verses added by those in the anti-slavery movement, but they would nearly always sing the first verse that ended with those glorious three words: “let freedom ring!”

Patriotic countrymen have sung those words now for for about 180 years, and the simple words continue to stir up patriotism within our hearts.

But may I suggest that another type of freedom needs to be rung out even more?

Those who are in Christ are “free indeed!” (John 8:36) Christ stated that, if we are His disciples, we would know the truth and the truth would make us free (John 8:31-32). When one becomes a Christian, he or she is freed from the bonds of sin and death.

Some who criticize the Bible say that God’s ways are too restrictive. They say that there is no liberty in His Word. They claim that we are “boxed in” by commands and regulations, and that Christians are really nothing more than robots, following the ancient whims of religion.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

Christians are pleased to do what God asks of us, because we are simply trying to respond to what He has already done for us. He has set us free!

Here is my question: will you let that freedom ring?