There are many things to be thankful for this Independence Day. How does freedom impact your life and business? Today, I share four freedoms that are a gift that many people take for granted until their gone. Yesterday I started this discussion at Why Leaders Celebrate Freedom on this Independence Day! on Market Leadership Journal.

I talk about the four freedoms that we share as serving entrepreneurs around the world. As you read this today, consider what you are thankful for this holiday. Independence Day is a day where we can enjoy being free! As serving entrepreneurs we face many different challenges to build organizations that represent our unique gifts, strengths, and life experiences.

As serving entrepreneurs, we are called to help build a better world. I hope to inspire all of you to have an impact on your families’ and communities’ future. It’s up to you to help others experience liberty as we do. Here are my four freedoms that will help change our world together.

The first is the freedom of choice. America was founded on the principle that we have the right to choose what to do and who to be. This means that we are given our freedom not from other people or groups, but by God.  The challenge of freedom of choice has been around since the beginning of mankind, but has never been easily achieved.

In most societies in world history, there have always been people who are oppressed.  Today, we face similar challenges when leaders decide choosing for us is more convenient than us choosing for us.  Take time today to remember that to be truly free we must be willing to fight to continue making our own choices.

The second is the freedom to make decisions. Now, I’m going to get into some hot water here about the freedom of making decisions. I feel that if we want to choose we must be willing to choose. Making a decision is not a peaceful freedom, but one that means you must be willing to sacrifice for what you believe. The world is full of choices and we must be willing to stand for our decisions if we hope to remain free.

The third is freedom from fear. The freedom of fear is about us making choices and not fearing reprisals or repercussions. We have the ability to make our own choices, but we shouldn’t be fearful after we make those choices because we might be prosecuted, bullied, or forced to live with others’ choices. I understand that in this world there are always only three options on most issues we are involved with; yes, no and not making a choice. All three options have repercussions, but we must allow people to make their decisions, free of fear.

The fourth is the freedom of worship. The final freedom helps us decide what or who we worship.  I have no problem with you choosing not to worship God. I do have a problem when you say that I don’t have the freedom to worship God. Does this mean that the minority has the right to take away my choices?  If I choose to share my beliefs, must I live in fear of reprisal because my opinions may offend others?  Where is freedom if it does not include tolerance of others religious beliefs?

I choose to believe in a greater power that connects us all, God. I believe that there is a better way of living life. This freedom sets me free. It also has created the greatest conflicts mankind has ever known.  Because this freedom creates conflict doesn’t mean it’s not worth fighting for.

So how do we celebrate our freedoms this week?  I suggest we remember what these freedoms mean to you and what are you willing to sacrifice to provide it to future generations.

Happy Independence Day!

See you next week