Thursday, August 9, 2012

Freedom From, Freedom For


Freedom is getting a lot of attention.  With the presidential election fast approaching, politicians are falling all over themselves trying to prove they can give Americans freedom. They tell us that freedom makes America great and they are the ones to protect it.  They insist their ticket is the only way to preserve our God given freedom.

The word freedom gets thrown around the political arena so much, in so many ways, I almost forget what it means.  A common definition of freedom is this: liberation from all constraint.  Another is this: the ability to be self-determining.  In short, freedom is a person’s ability to do whatever (s)he wants.

Jesus promises freedom too.  But, the freedom Jesus promises is a little different.  Jesus promises to set His people free for a purpose.  Jesus liberates Christians from the constraints of sin and death so they can fulfill His will.

In his first letter to the church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul writes,  “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.”  Paul suggests that Christ set Him free for a purpose larger than doing whatever he wants.  Jesus set Paul free from sin and death so that Paul could be free for preaching the gospel.

As you go through the coming week, ask yourself what you have been set free for.  If you have confessed your sin and called on Jesus for salvation, you are free.  The world will tell you to use that freedom to do whatever you want.  Christ insists we use our freedom for His cause.  So let me encourage you to freely seek Christ’s purposes for the coming week.  It may not win you an election, but it is the best way to truly enjoy your God given freedom.  

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