November 9 has been named World Freedom Day, a day in which we stop and appreciate the various freedoms we enjoy here in this country. However, for many Christians, outside of the freedom they have in Christ, the day will have little meaning as they lack the freedoms we here in the Western world all too often take for granted.

World Freedom – Still Not Quite Free

On World Freedom Day, we celebrate freedom around the world in commemoration of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Europe. The holiday, which began in 2001, celebrates the many freedoms the Western World enjoys. One of those freedoms is the freedom to peacefully follow the religion of our choice, including Christianity. As Christians, we also have freedom no matter where we choose to practice our beliefs. Because of our acceptance of Christ's free gift of salvation, we are no longer bound to our sin but have the freedom to live a life surrounded by grace. This is the ultimate freedom because it is freedom from bondage we are born into, and it is something that no one can take away.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
- 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

Yet, a closer look at the global situation shows that the freedom we enjoy is unique, and certainly not something felt across the globe. In many cultures and countries, Christians face severe persecution simply for their religious faith. This is something that is challenging for us to truly understand, living in a country where religious freedom is considered an inalienable right. Yet as World Freedom Day approaches, it is an excellent opportunity to consider the plight of fellow believers across the globe.

The Believer's Response to Religious Persecution

Religious persecution is a serious problem in today's world and a problem that World Freedom Day brings to light. What should your response be as an American believer? How can you address this problem when you feel you have no power to change what is going on in the far reaches of the world? First, use this day as an opportunity… a challenge to fight for religious freedom whenever possible, even for those groups whose religion may not line up with our own beliefs. It is a basic human need to practice religion freely, and by protecting religious freedom for other groups, we can protect religious freedom for ourselves, as well. If someone around you is practicing a peaceful religion and facing persecution, stand up for their rights.

Second, World Freedom Day is a reminder to continue to spread the freedom found in Christ. In America, Christians have the freedom to share their beliefs, and since Christianity is based on God’s word acknowledging the grace and peace of Christ, spreading the Gospel message will help spread freedom as well.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”
- Romans 8:35 (NIV)

Finally, use World Freedom Day as a chance to appreciate the freedoms we have here in America. These are freedoms that are not found in many places, and they are freedoms worth celebrating. Never take for granted the fact that you enjoy religious freedom, because many in the world around you do not.

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The Geneva Story publishes content from a variety of contributors across the Geneva College community. The perspectives, experiences, and conclusions expressed in this content are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of Geneva College, its leadership, or its editorial staff.