TRUE FREEDOM
Whenever I think of freedom and it's meaning, I focus on the magnitude of being delivered from some type of slavery. Sometimes, I think of the Israelites, being delivered from their captivity in Egypt (Exodus 18:10; Psalm 107:1-16). I may be thinking of African-Americans, and our early history in America; enslaved and not considered "full" men and women, but property. My mind may be turned towards the systems of Apartheid, in South Africa, the Caste systems of India (which by the way, we are told they no longer exist), or the struggles that "colored" people endured to obtain the freedoms that many of us enjoy, today. Most often, though, my mind is focused on the true freedom--that comes only through my relationship with Jesus Christ (John 8:36; Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:1).
Knowing Christ, means that no matter what chains may exist on my body--I am truly free. We all have some "chains", in our lives--whether they exist permanently (throughout this life), or are in phases; chains happen (Exodus 17:1; 1 Peter 4:16-19). Our chains can be physical--and tangible, such as debt, illness, poverty, etc. Our chains can be emotional--depression, anxiety, personality disorders, etc. Some of us have spiritual chains--chains of judgemental attitudes, harsh tongues, mean spirits, or wicked hearts (Proverbs 26:12-28; Matthew 23:23; Romans 12:16-21). We must guard our hearts against these spiritual chains, so that we will not be destroyed. While we may not all suffer the pain and chafing of the same emotional and physical chains, one thing is certain; spiritual chains were placed upon all of us--at the beginning. Those are the worst kind of chains--but the easiest chains to be loosed from (Matthew 11:29,30).
Emotional and physical chains (and even some spiritual ones, if we do not submit ourselves to Him) may plague us. God did not promise us a life free of challenges and difficulties (Exodus 17:1; Romans 8:18; 1 Peter 4:12-19; 5:9,10). There will come a time, if you are walking with Him, that you will be "considered", as Job was (Job 1:8). The adversary searches for the children of God, who are blessed and prospering (Job 1:7), with the goal of using life challenges to destroy us. That is his job. However, God holds the reigns (Job 1:12)! satan can do no more to us, than God allows. When we are being considered, sometimes we may wonder if God has left us--but no, He never will (Hebrews 13:5,6). Whatever challenges satan brings to steal, kill and destroy, God uses to mold us into vessels of honor (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28-30)! Indeed, He takes the most difficult circumstances of our lives, and creates something good and holy, that blesses our lives and the lives of others! How awesome is our God??!!!
Even when we are awash in difficulty, trouble and trials, God is present--turning our mourning into dancing; creating beauty from the ugliest, most painful issues of life. First, though, we must choose Christ. Without choosing Him, the mourning and the ugly are just that; and we go from crisis to crisis, without the peace and favor of God. It doesn't matter that you have money, career, prestige or fame--without God, you cannot know real peace, joy (not happiness, there is a distinct difference), or godly love. The converse is true, as well; with Christ, you can be surrounded by peace, joy and the ultimate love (Agape), in spite of the direst circumstances (Philippians 4:7). Those who really have true relationship with Christ, don't need for every piece of the life puzzle to line up perfectly, in order to be content. Just knowing Him is enough and satisfies (1 Tomothy 6:6).
True freedom comes, though, only by choice (Romans 2:13; Acts 2:40; 16:30). There is no real freedom, without Christ. He did all of the work of salvation and redemption (freeing us from the bondage of sin) (Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 2:1-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21). The only thing left for us, is to choose Him. It isn't an automatic thing, though. It must be a conscious choice--a declaration that I am aligning myself with the God whose own arm brought salvation, in the humanity of Jesus Christ. We must all choose--not choosing is equivalent to rejection. In this, there is no middle ground. We all have to decide; not to decide, is to remain in bondage to sin and death. It is our choice, though. God shaped a plan that will include as many as accept Him. He chose us before the foundation of the world--knowing completely, who would receive Him, and who would reject Him. It doesn't matter how "good" you are; it doesn't matter that you live a life of morality and ethics--without Christ, you remain enslaved ( Romans 6:16,17).
Sin was ushered into the world, along with the first man and woman--and it remains with us, and is upon us, simply because we are human and are descendents of those first sinners (Romans 3:1-23). We are indeed, born in sin. There is no way around it. I know it is hard to think of beautiful, little babies that we love so much, being sinners, but it is the nature of every human, unless and until he chooses Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only Way, the only Truth and the only Life (John 11:25,26: 14:6). Here is a wonderful thing about Him; He allows us to choose, for ourselves. He doesn't force salvation (He won't even give it to you, without you asking--and truly desiring something different) on us--but why would anyone want to live in this damnable world, without Him?
He has already completed the work of redeeming us from the hand of the enemy--we simply have to choose Him (Ephesians 2:8). There is only One Way, One Saviour. Choose Him and live. This thing that we call "life", is simply our opportunity to decide how we will spend eternity. It is our chance to find full fellowship with our Creator, and be restored to the state of innocence that existed at the beginning. He gives that to us--or "imputes" that (or His) righteousness upon us, by His act of mercy(Romans 4:16,22-25). The Cross at Calvary--becomes our true statue of liberty, if we decide to give our lives to Him. God always leaves the decision to us, about our destiny, our lives and our eternity; however, understand that there are consequences for every decision we make--good or bad (Romans 6:23). The consequences of choosing Christ are vast--in this life, and in the real life to come. The consequences of not choosing him, are vast, as well--we may be satisfied with our lives, here, today (but I doubt that) without knowing Him, but there is still the issue of eternity. Life (on earth) is but an inconsequential dot--so minute, in comparison to eternity. Decide where you will spend eternity, today.
There is a law in place, in the earth--has always been (Galatians 6:7). It is the law of sowing and reaping. It is real and true--what you sow, is what you will reap. Sow life, reap life. Sow death, reap death. Remember, too, the harvest is always much greater--multiplied many times over. You may plant one seed, but you will reap much more (of the same kind--for instance, if you plant corn, you will reap corn, not wheat--but more corn will grow forth, than the amount of kernels which have been sown [Mark 4:8,28]). Apply that, in your thinking, to life and death. I hope the picture is coming into focus, now.
This isn't a one time choice, either. We choose, by the way we live our lives, daily (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:1-13). As we grow in Christ and mature in stature as Christians, more and more of that "old nature" should fall away from us. The old way of putting self, before others, should begin to be peeled away (Philippians 2:3). A life without mercy and compassion toward others, should start to be a distant memory, not a way of life for someone who calls himself a "Christian" Matthew 25:31-46). To be a Christian, is to take off the old nature--when we choose Him, He washes and cleanses us (the outward sign of that being water baptism--which signifies a death to the old man and former way of life [Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-6]) and gives us a new nature; it is full of life--that we are to share and gift to those around us. It doesn't ever give us opportunity to look down on those who are not where we are, in our walk with Him--but for His grace, it would be us (Romans 2:1-6). When He gifts us His grace, His mercy, His love and His compassion--we are to take on His nature and give those things back to others.
If we don't sow grace, mercy, compassion and love--we won't reap it, either. That is just the way it works (Galatians 6:7,9,10; Matthew 6:14,15). That's why we must do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Don't reject the gift, and don't reject the way of life, that gives these precious things to others. The world doesn't need our judgement--God is in full control of that. What the world needs, is a merciful, gracious presentation of the Gospel--just as we needed it (John 3:16,17).
Find true freedom, in your acceptance of Jesus Christ and the Christian way of life. Let us walk, as He walked. Let us be moved with compassion and love. Extend mercy. There is freedom in this.
Be Free.
Love & Abundant Blessings,
Lisa
Knowing Christ, means that no matter what chains may exist on my body--I am truly free. We all have some "chains", in our lives--whether they exist permanently (throughout this life), or are in phases; chains happen (Exodus 17:1; 1 Peter 4:16-19). Our chains can be physical--and tangible, such as debt, illness, poverty, etc. Our chains can be emotional--depression, anxiety, personality disorders, etc. Some of us have spiritual chains--chains of judgemental attitudes, harsh tongues, mean spirits, or wicked hearts (Proverbs 26:12-28; Matthew 23:23; Romans 12:16-21). We must guard our hearts against these spiritual chains, so that we will not be destroyed. While we may not all suffer the pain and chafing of the same emotional and physical chains, one thing is certain; spiritual chains were placed upon all of us--at the beginning. Those are the worst kind of chains--but the easiest chains to be loosed from (Matthew 11:29,30).
Emotional and physical chains (and even some spiritual ones, if we do not submit ourselves to Him) may plague us. God did not promise us a life free of challenges and difficulties (Exodus 17:1; Romans 8:18; 1 Peter 4:12-19; 5:9,10). There will come a time, if you are walking with Him, that you will be "considered", as Job was (Job 1:8). The adversary searches for the children of God, who are blessed and prospering (Job 1:7), with the goal of using life challenges to destroy us. That is his job. However, God holds the reigns (Job 1:12)! satan can do no more to us, than God allows. When we are being considered, sometimes we may wonder if God has left us--but no, He never will (Hebrews 13:5,6). Whatever challenges satan brings to steal, kill and destroy, God uses to mold us into vessels of honor (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28-30)! Indeed, He takes the most difficult circumstances of our lives, and creates something good and holy, that blesses our lives and the lives of others! How awesome is our God??!!!
Even when we are awash in difficulty, trouble and trials, God is present--turning our mourning into dancing; creating beauty from the ugliest, most painful issues of life. First, though, we must choose Christ. Without choosing Him, the mourning and the ugly are just that; and we go from crisis to crisis, without the peace and favor of God. It doesn't matter that you have money, career, prestige or fame--without God, you cannot know real peace, joy (not happiness, there is a distinct difference), or godly love. The converse is true, as well; with Christ, you can be surrounded by peace, joy and the ultimate love (Agape), in spite of the direst circumstances (Philippians 4:7). Those who really have true relationship with Christ, don't need for every piece of the life puzzle to line up perfectly, in order to be content. Just knowing Him is enough and satisfies (1 Tomothy 6:6).
True freedom comes, though, only by choice (Romans 2:13; Acts 2:40; 16:30). There is no real freedom, without Christ. He did all of the work of salvation and redemption (freeing us from the bondage of sin) (Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 2:1-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21). The only thing left for us, is to choose Him. It isn't an automatic thing, though. It must be a conscious choice--a declaration that I am aligning myself with the God whose own arm brought salvation, in the humanity of Jesus Christ. We must all choose--not choosing is equivalent to rejection. In this, there is no middle ground. We all have to decide; not to decide, is to remain in bondage to sin and death. It is our choice, though. God shaped a plan that will include as many as accept Him. He chose us before the foundation of the world--knowing completely, who would receive Him, and who would reject Him. It doesn't matter how "good" you are; it doesn't matter that you live a life of morality and ethics--without Christ, you remain enslaved ( Romans 6:16,17).
Sin was ushered into the world, along with the first man and woman--and it remains with us, and is upon us, simply because we are human and are descendents of those first sinners (Romans 3:1-23). We are indeed, born in sin. There is no way around it. I know it is hard to think of beautiful, little babies that we love so much, being sinners, but it is the nature of every human, unless and until he chooses Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only Way, the only Truth and the only Life (John 11:25,26: 14:6). Here is a wonderful thing about Him; He allows us to choose, for ourselves. He doesn't force salvation (He won't even give it to you, without you asking--and truly desiring something different) on us--but why would anyone want to live in this damnable world, without Him?
He has already completed the work of redeeming us from the hand of the enemy--we simply have to choose Him (Ephesians 2:8). There is only One Way, One Saviour. Choose Him and live. This thing that we call "life", is simply our opportunity to decide how we will spend eternity. It is our chance to find full fellowship with our Creator, and be restored to the state of innocence that existed at the beginning. He gives that to us--or "imputes" that (or His) righteousness upon us, by His act of mercy(Romans 4:16,22-25). The Cross at Calvary--becomes our true statue of liberty, if we decide to give our lives to Him. God always leaves the decision to us, about our destiny, our lives and our eternity; however, understand that there are consequences for every decision we make--good or bad (Romans 6:23). The consequences of choosing Christ are vast--in this life, and in the real life to come. The consequences of not choosing him, are vast, as well--we may be satisfied with our lives, here, today (but I doubt that) without knowing Him, but there is still the issue of eternity. Life (on earth) is but an inconsequential dot--so minute, in comparison to eternity. Decide where you will spend eternity, today.
There is a law in place, in the earth--has always been (Galatians 6:7). It is the law of sowing and reaping. It is real and true--what you sow, is what you will reap. Sow life, reap life. Sow death, reap death. Remember, too, the harvest is always much greater--multiplied many times over. You may plant one seed, but you will reap much more (of the same kind--for instance, if you plant corn, you will reap corn, not wheat--but more corn will grow forth, than the amount of kernels which have been sown [Mark 4:8,28]). Apply that, in your thinking, to life and death. I hope the picture is coming into focus, now.
This isn't a one time choice, either. We choose, by the way we live our lives, daily (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:1-13). As we grow in Christ and mature in stature as Christians, more and more of that "old nature" should fall away from us. The old way of putting self, before others, should begin to be peeled away (Philippians 2:3). A life without mercy and compassion toward others, should start to be a distant memory, not a way of life for someone who calls himself a "Christian" Matthew 25:31-46). To be a Christian, is to take off the old nature--when we choose Him, He washes and cleanses us (the outward sign of that being water baptism--which signifies a death to the old man and former way of life [Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-6]) and gives us a new nature; it is full of life--that we are to share and gift to those around us. It doesn't ever give us opportunity to look down on those who are not where we are, in our walk with Him--but for His grace, it would be us (Romans 2:1-6). When He gifts us His grace, His mercy, His love and His compassion--we are to take on His nature and give those things back to others.
If we don't sow grace, mercy, compassion and love--we won't reap it, either. That is just the way it works (Galatians 6:7,9,10; Matthew 6:14,15). That's why we must do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Don't reject the gift, and don't reject the way of life, that gives these precious things to others. The world doesn't need our judgement--God is in full control of that. What the world needs, is a merciful, gracious presentation of the Gospel--just as we needed it (John 3:16,17).
Find true freedom, in your acceptance of Jesus Christ and the Christian way of life. Let us walk, as He walked. Let us be moved with compassion and love. Extend mercy. There is freedom in this.
Be Free.
Love & Abundant Blessings,
Lisa
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