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The freedom to worship as we wish
4:26 PM, Aug. 25, 2009
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"What we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a price upon its goods, and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated." Thomas Payne, 1776
As I write, the afternoon breeze softly curls the American flag on my front porch. The stars are backlit by the sunlight and the trees in my yard frame the flag. It is a peaceful scene and one I enjoy seeing. I fly the flag proudly as it represents the sacrifices made for my freedom.
Earlier this afternoon I was reading about a young American who is fighting for her freedom to worship as she wishes. She’s 17 years old and her name is Fathima Rifga Bary. She ran away from Ohio to Florida because she was afraid her father, a devout Muslim, would carry out his threats to murder her. You see, she has converted to Christianity. The courts are arguing for her safety, but there is a deeper issue here: does she have the right to choose her own faith?
According to the first amendment, our government can’t make her choose a religion. But at what point does a parents right end? I’m delighted to see the courts have chosen to protect her from violence, yet at the same time, I have compassion for her parents. No matter what their belief, I am fairly certain they simply want the best for their daughter. My friend, who converted from the Muslim faith of her family to Christianity several years ago, understands the dilemma and the passion. She also understands and cherishes the freedom she has been given as a US citizen, and the greater freedom she exercises as a Christian.
The freedom to worship as we wish is a gift that can’t be regulated by the courts of law, but it has been fought in the courts and on the battlefield for centuries. I am personally grateful to have grown up in a country where I was allowed to choose. I am also deeply thankful to the men and women who have fought, and continue to fight to protect my freedom. I intend to fight alongside of them to preserve the historic foundation of our great country. Our forefathers understood the personal sacrifices necessary to give us the freedoms we exercise, and they made them for us all. They were devout in their faith and knew without Jesus, there is no freedom.
We are told in Scripture to “Choose this day whom you will serve[1].” It’s a choice, and a freedom; we are allowed to make each day. How we choose will influence our actions, our behaviors, and ultimately, the world around us.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.[2]”
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