In thinking about parenting with Scripture, 4th of July style, I realized it’s the perfect opportunity to discuss with my children the freedoms we have in Christ alongside the freedoms we celebrate in our country.  These concepts are abstract, but worth introducing and expanding on from year to year as this holiday rolls around and the children grow to understand more.

Here are the basics of what we’re going to talk about with our almost 8 and 10-year-olds to get you thinking of how you might discuss this with your child(ren).

Discussion:
How are we free in Christ?  We are free from the consequences of sin when we trust in Jesus as our Savior.
How are we free in our country?  Google “Bill of Rights for kids” to find a list of our freedoms and explanations geared toward children.
However, freedom doesn’t mean we can or should do anything we want to do.  For example:
-In the Christian realm that means just because God will forgive us for lying, doesn’t mean we should lie.  Discuss.
-In our American government that means just because we have the freedom to say anything we want, doesn’t mean we should.  Discuss.

Activity:
My children are familiar with Chris Tomlin’s version of Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) because we sing it in church.  We’ll download it or listen to it on Youtube and have them listen for the word “free” in the lyrics.  Then we’ll discuss what it means in the context of the song and Biblically.

We’ll also listen to The Star Spangled Banner and You’re A Grand Old Flag and have the kids listen for the word “free” and discuss what it means in those contexts.

Scriptures to discuss:
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.   Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.  Galatians 5:1 

Therefore, there is now no condemnation  for those who are in Christ Jesus,because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.  Romans 8:1-2