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Dear San Marco Church Family: It has been a week since our nation celebrated Independence Day, when we take the opportunity to reflect on the concept of freedom. But long after the final fireworks fade and the last hot dogs are consumed, are we celebrating and living out that freedom? For certainly, beyond the practical idea of freedom from British rule, our American sense of freedom incorporates freedom to speak, think, and worship as we choose, without government interference. The freedoms listed in our nation’s Bill of Rights are critically important for all people to exercise voluntary faith practice. The freedom to choose our faith journey provides both catalyst and fulfillment. We grow in our faith when we choose to learn more about scripture, and when we lose any sense of obligation that gets in the way of recognizing faith as a wonderful gift from a loving God. We freely choose faith because we meet comfort, acceptance, encouragement and hope in our faith practice. I challenge us all to consider freedom within our faith journey from two perspectives. First, what does our faith give us freedom FROM? Perhaps freedom from guilt, self-consciousness, or shame is included. God’s Grace offers healing from all our self-consciousness and invites us into a good future. Secondly, our faith offers freedom TO pursue God’s calling in our lives without fear. Jesus teaches us to “fear not,” and scripture is replete with examples of God’s provision in human life. The freedom to choose to follow Christ without fear requires us to trust the promises of scripture. If we are unsure, the only way to learn to trust is to risk taking Christ at Christ’s word. Try trusting Christ to meet our needs, all our needs. When all else fails, pray as if it is up to God, and work as if it is up to us. This is a challenging proposal, but in my experience, it works. When my father died, I was overcome with grief and uncertain what to do without his guidance. I renewed my spiritual pursuit of a relationship with God by returning – reluctantly – to church. Choosing to trust in God changed my life. I challenge you to trust Christ through prayer, and then to work as if you are the hands and feet of Christ in this world. Prayer combined with work has resulted in many miracles in this world. I look forward to seeing you all in worship this Sunday. Remember that if you have a pastoral care need, or if you would like to meet with me at any time, my email address is stevehart100@gmail.com and my cell number is (321) 368-6800. See you Sunday! In Christ’s love, Steve Hart
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