I’m deeply grateful for the United States of America. We definitely have our issues, but overall, I’m proud to call USA home. The land of the free and the brave. We’re again celebrating our independence this week, a cornerstone of our country. Of any country, really. We refer to independent countries as “sovereign nations”. We recognize their right to decide their own fate, make their own choices, and run their country as they see fit. That’s a great way to run a country. But, it’s a horrible way to live if you’re a Christ follower. You are not a sovereign person. You’re under the authority of Jesus. He alone is our sovereign ruler, and, paradoxically, our freedom is found in Him. That freedom is a freedom to serve, not to live any way we choose. As Paul told the Galatians, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13) And, Peter exhorted us to “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:16). We are free so that we can serve. Let’s celebrate that this week!

Top 10 best gifts for dad: A great gift idea for dear ole dad is a new wallet. Allow your dad to ditch that clunky wallet he stuffs in his back pocket by gifting him a streamlined card holder and money clip in one. It’s simple, well designed, and gets the job done…just like dad.

9 ways God has used this podcast in our own lives this first full year together: Who says Thanksgiving only happens in November? As we celebrate the anniversary of this podcast, we’re reminded of God’s many blessings on our work and our lives. So, we’re spending this episode focusing on gratitude and reflecting on all the reasons we have to be thankful.

“From every mountainside, let freedom ring.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

“May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” – Peter Marshall

“Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom.” – Albert Einstein

“Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry his own weight, this is a frightening prospect.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Use your freedom to serve. This week, you’re free to serve about the country. Go ahead. If you never felt empowered or emboldened or even allowed, now you’re ready. You have permission – even – the requirement to use your freedom to serve someone. Who’s it gonna be? Your lovely wife? Your rambunctious kids? That needy neighbor, rascally relative or bothersome boss? Use your freedom wisely!

Kent Evans
Author of The Manhood Journey, co-founder of Manhood Journey and Father On Purpose.

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.