The Freedom No One Can Take Away

Today, on the Fourth of July, we celebrate two important milestones in the histories of both the United States, our home, and the Philippines, our country of birth. This year is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, marking America's birth as a nation. We also observe Filipino-American Friendship Day, established by Philippine law in 1984 and celebrated every July 4 to honor the enduring friendship between our two countries.

That friendship grew stronger through shared sacrifice during World War II, when Filipino and American forces fought together to defend the Philippines. My father, Benjamin Curitana Liwanag, was one of about 76,000 prisoners of war who survived the Bataan Death March. More than 260,000 Filipinos served during the war, and over 57,000 lost their lives. Their courage shows us that freedom often comes at a great cost.

Today's reading in The Clear Word tells about the Apostle Paul after he met Christ. Even as a follower of Jesus, Paul used his Roman citizenship when it helped God's mission (Acts 22). But when the Lord told him to leave Jerusalem and share the gospel with the Gentiles (Acts 22:21), Paul listened. His greatest loyalty was not to his rights, but to God's call.

Paul’s example reminds me that while I am thankful to be a citizen of this country, I belong first to God’s kingdom. My most important mission is still the mission of Jesus: "to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10).

In a world that is often divided by political, social, and religious differences, we are called to keep a clear conscience, seek justice with humility, and put God’s will above our own preferences. Political freedom is valuable, but spiritual freedom is what we need most.

We should be grateful for the freedoms our nations have secured. But the freedom that no one can take away was given to us by Christ through His cross and proven by His empty tomb.

-Pastor Lim