trbccoffeebreak

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

For the past few weeks, our great nation has been host to the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, with tens of thousands of people coming to the USA from around the world to cheer on their national teams. And if you’ve spent even two minutes on any social platform or YouTube during this time, you’ve likely seen the reels showing these foreigners reacting—with general astonishment—to all that all-things-American, as well as our nation’s typically kind and bighearted citizens. Why all the shock and amazement, you wonder? Whether it’s the stunning and diverse beauty of our country’s landscapes, the sweet and orderly neighborhoods (lined with small or monstrous homes), or the warm greetings and interactions with Americans—not to mention our food, food portions, and free refills—these men and women of all ages, from Europe, Asia and Australia, are experiencing the unexpected.

You see, a common thread in their commentary is what they’ve been told about the USA from their nation’s media. The narrative that they’ve relentlessly been fed prior to visiting our nation has been how horrible this place is, how terrible the people are, and how restricted our lifestyle is, complete with constant riots, conflict, and peril at every turn. So, their expectations have been shattered by the reality they are experiencing. Admittedly, our nation is more divided than it’s ever been in my lifetime, but the majority of our nation and people maintain a grateful, patriotic heart to live in the greatest country in the world. And, thankfully, this has been the overarching experience of our World Cup visitors. What’s really cool is that the whole world will be watching on July 4 as we celebrate our nation’s 250^th birthday and the completely unique freedom that defines us. Without argument, the United States is the freest nation in the world—and those who are experiencing this for the first time are rightly in awe…and in their excitement and joy, they cannot help but share what they’ve seen and heard.

If you are a believer, you’ve likely seen the above scenario played out from a spiritual perspective—at church or wherever someone hears the Good News. See, many people have been told that Christianity is horrible, its people terrible, and the lifestyle restricted—they’d never want to be part of it. They have definitive expectations. All negative. But then…they experience the grace and mercy of God. Through faith in Christ, they go from darkness to light, become new creations, imputed with undeserved righteousness. Most importantly, they are freed from being slaves to sin and death—free from the shackles of this world and made citizens of Heaven (2 Corinthians 3:17; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 8:1-2; Philippians 3:20). No matter what nation a person abides in, if they are in Christ, they are the freest people in the world (Galatians 5:1). And, although there are some unkind, judgmental, divisive Christians, most followers of Christ are kindhearted, generous, and joyfully appreciative of their freedom. Like immigrants coming to the USA from Communist China or Cuba, we believers have lived in darkness but now live in the glorious Light, fully cognizant of where we’ve been and what we’ve been rescued from. And, hopefully, from the moment of salvation through the decades thereafter, we remain in awe of it all.

Having experienced freedom in Christ—the diverse beauty of His Church, the warmth and generosity of believers, the joy available in Him even amid challenging storms—is our desire to share the news? Do we take it for granted, or rejoice in it daily? Is our response, “I can’t help but share what I’ve seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20)? Oh, sweet friend, let’s be like the World Cup visitors! May we recognize and celebrate the true freedom we have in Jesus…and enthusiastically tell the world.

“Lord, help me never forget or take for granted the freedom I have in Christ. And please give me the boldness to always share with others the Good News of this Truth.”

For His Glory 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life