“But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works, this person will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25)
One Fourth of July evening years ago, Brian and I stood in our backyard watching fireworks with our two daughters. They were little then, running barefoot through the grass with sparklers in their hands. Their laughter filled the warm summer air while bursts of red, white, and blue lit up the sky.
Glimpse of Freedom
In that moment, I caught a glimpse of freedom. Not just the freedom we celebrate as Americans, but the kind every heart longs for. The kind that gives pure joy.
Memorizing Scripture
Now my girls are grown and living on their own. Recently, Rachael suggested that the three of us memorize James 1 together. Week after week, we met on Zoom, reciting Scripture, encouraging one another, and sharing what God was teaching us. It took months, but we recently finished the entire chapter.
As Independence Day approached, one verse continued to capture my attention:
“But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom…” (James 1:25)
Law of Freedom
At first, the phrase law of freedom sounds almost contradictory. We tend to think of laws as restrictive. But God’s laws are different because God is different.
God doesn’t give His commands to keep us from living; He gives them to set us free.
God Liberates
He knows how easily we become trapped by sin, fear, pride, resentment, and our own self-reliance. His Word lovingly points us toward a better way, not because He wants to limit us, but because He wants to liberate us.
James reminds us that freedom isn’t found in simply hearing God’s Word. It’s found in responding to it. He compares Scripture to a mirror. We can look into it, recognize what God is showing us, and then walk away unchanged. Or we can allow His truth to shape how we live.
That’s where true freedom begins.
Obedience
As I memorized James 1, I realized how easy it is to recite verses without letting them transform my heart. Am I really being “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19)? Am I caring for those in need (James 1:27)? God’s Word continually invites me beyond knowledge into obedience.
And obedience isn’t a burden.
It’s freedom.
A Choice
This week, perhaps freedom looks like choosing gentleness instead of frustration. Maybe it’s offering forgiveness instead of holding onto hurt. Or maybe it’s taking one small step of faith in an area where God has been quietly prompting your heart.
Every act of obedience is an invitation to experience the freedom of the One who loves us most.
God’s Offer
Looking back, those fireworks and sparklers created beautiful memories with my daughters. But they also remind me that the deepest freedom isn’t something we celebrate once a year. It’s something God offers every day through His perfect Word.
Because that’s who He is.
He is the God who sets His children free.
God Is Our Liberator
