Today we vote. We look at the candidates, the propositions and the issues. We search our hearts and we cast our ballots. We are electing people to act on our behalf as our representatives in government. We are commissioning them to do a job, entrusting them with a solemn responsibility to act in the best interest of America and its citizens in upholding our Constitution and working within it to realize the American dream.

What is the American Dream? The American Dream is seeing possibilities, realizing potential and making progress individually and as a nation. Yes, we hold freedom dear, freedom to pursue the Dream. But we also understand our duty to protect that freedom, and not just from the threat of war, or terror. We must protect freedom from ourselves. We must guard against self-centeredness and use our freedom to serve others. We must guard against complacency and use our freedom to be vigilant in virtuous endeavors. We must guard against license and use our freedom to do what is right, not just what we feel like. Most of all, we must guard against pride and use our freedom to serve God and give Him glory.

Yesterday was All Saints Day, a time to remember the saints (a fancy word for Christians), past and present, and glorify God for what He’s done in them, through them, and for our fellowship with each other. There are so many stories of Christians who have expected great things from God and attempted great things for Him. They used the freedom that Christ bought them on the cross to do more than “hide it.” They lived their lives using their freedom in Christ to serve. Many have given up their lives in sacrifice for the sake of souls and the glory of God. Legacies have been left for us to honor and emulate.

As we critic and commission candidates and consider how history might see them, and as we reverently remember the real yet revolutionary believers who have gone before us, can we also consider our own hearts and our daily lives? How will history see you and me? What are we doing to make a difference? We who trust in Jesus we are free; the bondage of sin and death is broken. But what are we doing with our freedom? “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God” (1 Cor. 6:19-20, NIV).

How are you using your freedom to honor God?