As we once again celebrate our nation’s independence, we will hear much about freedom. As citizens, we give thanks for the blessings we have and for the many who fought for and paid the price for our liberties. While we certainly do not worship our nation, we appropriately honor and give thanks to God for this land in which we can freely worship the one true God. As this national celebration then passes, we are  joyful that we don’t need an annual holiday to recognize true freedom as Christians. Daily we hold fast to the wonderful news that the battle has been fought and the price has been paid by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that we may have freedom from sin, eternal death, and the devil. Today we hear the Spirit-inspired words of the apostle Paul from Galatians and learn more about what real freedom is, guidance for lives lived in that freedom, and the fruit freely given to us through the Holy Spirit.