Free Men

What does Saving Private Ryan, Gladiator, The Patriot, We Were Soldiers, Tombstone and Braveheart have in common? Simply a list of the greatest movies ever made! At least in my opinion they are and Braveheart being the best of them all. The classic true story of a single common man whose bravery led to the freedom of Scotland from British tyranny.

There are so many incredible moments in the storyline of the movie but Wallace’s speech to an intimidated army ready to run is still my favorite. He realizes that he has only a brief moment to convince his outnumbered army to stand and fight for the cause that he was willing to give his life for. A cause that would eventually cost him his life.

You've come to fight as free men... and free men you are. What will you do with that freedom, Wallace cries. What a powerful question to pose to a group of men who were ready to relinquish their freedom for fear of failure and defeat. What will you do with that freedom? As we pause and reflect on the precious gift of freedom that we all share in America and the many sacrifices that have made it all possible, there is a deep sense of responsibility with the free gift given to us. As free men and women we should live in a way that honors those who gave so much for us to experience that freedom.

In John 8:36 we read that, “If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed.” By the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ we can experience freedom from all sin and bondage. This is the good news of the Gospel and what good news it is. However, with the wonderful freedom we have in Christ comes the real life responsibility to live in such a way that makes Jesus visible to the world around us. To live in such a way that others who are slaves to sin will see the freedom we walk in and thirst for that very same freedom in their lives. A simple question for everyone who is truly free to consider today…what will you do with that freedom?