Independence Day!

Today is the Fourth of July!  As the nation celebrates its 239th birthday, I do have a lot of gratitude concerning what it means to be "free".  Times like these usually bring about deep reflection as to the underlying premise behind such holidays and festivities.  Freedom...what exactly is it and am I still truly and substantively free?  As with anything else, freedom naturally degrades and erodes unless fought for and maintained.  Remaining indifferent, wallowing in one's own putrid stagnation, will only escalate the demise of freedom.  (This isn't limited only to freedom.)  Freedom is the ability to act freely in one's own expression leading to unfettered speech.  Thankfully, thought crimes have yet to become prosecuted in this country; however, I believe ideologically the time is coming when a person will not have the privilege of enjoying his or her own thoughts.  The writing is on the wall, so to speak.  On a daily basis I see people gobbling up salacious rumors, statements without basis made disparaging our fellow man through character assassination.  No longer do people have the intellectual ability to research information through primary sources.  Currently people rely on third- and fourth-hand information, many times removed from accuracy and the true source, through social media.  While people are having their "ears tickled," they are unconscious of the fact they are throwing away their rights and freedoms.  It is a rug getting yanked out from underneath them while not having so much as a clue.  The state of affairs is saddening.  On this Fourth of July holiday I sound the bell calling for people to give up their short-term gratification for long-term satisfaction and freedom.  Begin sacrificing daily for the investment of the future.  The payoff in the end is very worthwhile.
"You are the salt of the earth.
But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?
It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  (Matthew 5:13-16)

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