Sermon: Strength, Kindness, and Freedom in Christ
Introduction: In a world full of chaos, pressure, and distractions, it is essential to hold fast to the principles that God calls us to live by: strength, kindness, calmness, freedom, brightness, and bravery. The song “Gotta Be Strong” speaks directly to these virtues, playfully emphasizing their importance through the lens of Christian Libertarian Ideology and modern human perspectives, while reminding us of our true identity as children of God. Let’s explore these values with scripture and how they apply to the call of living a life of freedom and service.
Gotta Be Strong:
The song’s primary message reminds us that strength is more than physical—it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual. We’re called to be strong, not for ourselves but to serve others and God’s purpose. Ephesians 6:10 tells us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Our strength does not come from our own abilities but through faith in God.
The line “Strong like a tree, stronger than the wind” evokes imagery of being deeply rooted, much like Psalm 1:3, which describes the blessed person as being like “a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.” This tree does not wither, just as we should not waver in adversity.
Christian Libertarian Ideology emphasizes personal responsibility, and the song ties that into strength—being fit, never quitting, and persevering are all responsibilities of the free individual. As Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” We stand strong, not because we wish to overpower others, but because we recognize that God has called us to live free from fear and oppression, taking responsibility for the path of our own salvation and the stewardship of our freedoms.
Gotta Be Kind:
“You’ve gotta be kind” reminds us that our strength must be balanced with gentleness and love. The Bible calls us to kindness in Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” We are to extend the same grace to others that Christ has extended to us.
Kindness is an expression of freedom. In Christian Libertarianism, the emphasis on voluntary kindness aligns with scripture—true kindness must come from the heart and not be forced by external regulations. As 1 Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” In our freedom, we choose to love and be kind, not because we are compelled, but because God has shown us how.
Gotta Be Calm:
This song encourages us to “be calm,” which is vital in a world where anxiety reigns. Philippians 4:6-7 gives us the antidote: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Calmness is freedom from fear. Fear is a form of bondage, and as Christian Libertarians, we must reject it, choosing instead to rely on God’s sovereignty. Being calm is a spiritual discipline that acknowledges God’s control over every situation.
Gotta Be Free:
Freedom is one of the song’s core themes. “You’ve gotta be free” speaks to the soul’s longing for liberation. This is the essence of the gospel: “For the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17). In Christ, we find freedom from sin, fear, and death.
Christian Libertarianism stresses that this freedom is God-given. True freedom can only exist when we acknowledge God as the ultimate authority. It is not the freedom to do as we please, but the freedom to live within the design God has ordained for humanity, knowing that this design leads to flourishing.
Gotta Be Bright and Brave:
Finally, the song calls us to “be bright” and “be brave.” These virtues are intertwined—brightness is the radiance of truth, wisdom, and goodness, while bravery is the willingness to act on them in the face of adversity. Matthew 5:14-16 calls us the light of the world, reminding us that we are meant to shine before others, so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.
Bravery is essential in a world where standing for truth is often unpopular. Joshua 1:9 commands us, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Our bravery is rooted in the assurance that God goes with us, empowering us to stand firm in truth and love.
Conclusion:
The song “Gotta Be Strong” is a playful yet profound reminder of the virtues that God calls us to embody. Strength, kindness, calmness, freedom, brightness, and bravery are not just ideals; they are spiritual disciplines that allow us to live a life that reflects God’s love and truth in a world that desperately needs them.
In a Christian Libertarian framework, these virtues emphasize the freedom to choose God’s ways and the personal responsibility to cultivate them in our lives. As we strive to be strong, kind, calm, free, bright, and brave, let us remember that all of this is made possible through the power of Christ working in us.
Gotta Be Strong
You’ve gotta be strong
Gotta be smart
Dont be an f.a.r.t Fart
Youve gotta be s.t.r.o.n.g.
Youve gotta be strong
Gotta be Kind
Gotta be True
Don’t be a r.u.d.e. Rude
Be K.I.N.D. Kind
You’ve gotta be kind
-gotta be strong
Strong like a tree
stronger than the wind
Rolling waves in the sea
Stronger than the captain
Of a pirate ship
Be strong and fit
Never quit
Gotta be Calm
Gotta be Clear
Ya cant live life in f.e.a.r. Fear
Gotta Be C.A.L.M. Calm
You’ve gotta be calm
Gotta be Free
Gotta be Strong
Don’t be a r.o.n.g. rong
Gotta Be F.R.E.E. Free
You’ve gotta be free
-gotta be strong
Strong like a tree
stronger than the wind
Rolling waves in the sea
Stronger than the captain
Of a pirate ship
Be strong and fit
Never quit
Gotta be Bright
Gotta be Keen
Don’t be a m.e.a.n. Mean
Be B.R.I.G.H.T.
You’ve gotta be bright
Gotta be Brave
Gotta be Smart
Don’t be t.a.r.t. Tart
Be B.R.A.V.E. Brave
You’ve gotta be brave
-gotta be strong
Strong like a tree
stronger than the wind
Rolling waves in the sea
Stronger than the captain
Of a pirate ship
Be strong and fit
Never quit
As Always, God Bless,
James Arthur Ferguson
FergusonPoetryProject LLC 
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