OPINION:
The Fourth of July is the most important day in American history. It marks the birth of our nation in 1776, a moment when freedom was won at a tremendous cost. We are grateful to those who have fought to provide and protect those freedoms, and it is not something we can take for granted, especially now.
The journey for American freedom began in the 1600s with the pilgrims — ordinary people like us, farmers, blacksmiths, teachers, and carpenters — who fled the oppressive rule of the King of England. Many innocent people were wrongfully accused, secret trials were held, and unjust tax laws were imposed without representation for nearly 200 years. As the colonies grew so grew the Crown’s denial of their basic rights and freedoms.
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It was in this context that Thomas Jefferson, a visionary leader, declared that all people are endowed with natural rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” His words echoed the belief that all men are created equal, regardless of their beliefs, race or social status. Our forefathers recognized that when a government fails to protect these rights, it is the duty of the people to change that government and establish a new one. And that’s what they did.
Because of their stand, we enjoy freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the ability to elect leaders, and to worship as we choose.
But these freedoms are under threat. Today, our country faces new forms of oppression, not from tyrannical rulers overseas, but from an unseen enemy who threatens and targets our families, communities and futures. Just as our forefathers stood against tyranny, we too must stand.
Spiritual oppression is the greater threat
As we celebrate our nation’s freedom this Fourth of July, remember that freedom is a gift from God. Oppression is not limited to external forces; it often resides within us. Despite our unmatched freedoms, sin holds many Americans captive. Addictions, consumerism, apathy, and pride are all manifestations of modern-day oppressors.
Addiction, whether to substances or behaviors, destroys relationships and lives. Debt enslaves us, and the constant desire for more leaves us empty. Pride blinds us to our vulnerabilities.
Our journey toward spiritual freedom began with an extraordinary man, Jesus. The Son of God became a man and walked among us. Our King, and the ultimate commander of the universe, offers us true freedom from sin.
We are not left alone in this fight, as the Psalmist reminds in Proverbs 23 that He still walks with us “through the valley of the shadow of death.”
I experienced the valley of the shadow of death. In 2012, during my fourth deployment to Afghanistan, I realized that the war I was fighting was not just physical but spiritual. God extracted me from that dark place, showing me the path to true freedom through redemption. It took years of therapy and prayer to understand that freedom comes from one source — Jesus Christ, “the way, the truth and the life.”
Fight for your freedom: An American and spiritual call to action
This Independence Day, as we honor our nation’s foundation and those who fought for our country, let’s also recognize the spiritual battle we all face.
I’m urging you to enlist in God’s army, declare your independence, and fight for your freedom. God has given us a tactical manual — the Bible — filled with strategic vision and maneuvers. He provides us with the equipment and weapons of warfare, such as prayer, an army of fellow believers, and the armor of God.
The cost of freedom is great, but so is the reward. Let us honor the sacrifices of those who came before us by continuing the fight for both earthly and spiritual liberty. Let us be oppressed no longer. Let us fight for true freedom through prayer, for our families, our faith, our future, our communities, and our nation.
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Dr. Damon Friedman, a decorated veteran of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel in special operations. He is the recipient of the Spirit of Hope Award from the Secretary of Defense and founder of SOF Missions, which works with veterans with PTSD.
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