Most of us seniors have had it in our minds for many years that America is THE “land of the free.”

Apparently, the rest of the world does not think so.

I was shocked when I googled the question, “What are the freest nations on earth?”

I expected to see America at, or at least near, the top of the heap, only to see a list of 34 other countries that are deemed freer than America.

I googled the question in a variety of ways, but each time America was well beyond the top 10 nations for freedom.

But then I changed my search to find out what are the freest nations of countries over 300 million people.

Well, there are only 3 countries that large: The US with 331 million, India with 1.38 billion, and China with 1.43 billion.

So, among the 3 largest nations, America is by far the #1 nation for freedom.

But the more I googled my questions, one thing began to come to light: there is not an objective consensus on our status of greatness in the world.

There are only subjective opinions and biases when it comes to comparing the great American experiment with living anywhere else in the world.

I do believe that America is the greatest nation on earth, and I am still proud of our heritage.

But our nation is rapidly changing, and our country is becoming more divided.

Our political, moral, economic, social, and religious differences are resulting in increased government controls over us which are robbing us of our freedoms.

But there is a freedom that breaks the chains that keep us in slavery to the things of this world.

It’s the inner freedom of the heart and mind that comes when we escape the grip of sin and guilt in our lives by dying to self and living for Jesus Christ.

So, how free are you? John 8:36 says, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Next Week: What have we learned?

Dan Williams is the senior adult pastor at Lexington Baptist Church.