Freedom

Freedom.  What does that make you think of?  Let's find out what it means.

Freedom:

1.  the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint.

2.  exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.

3.  the power to determine action without restraint.

4.  political or national independence.

5.  personal liberty, as opposed to bondage or slavery.

6.  exemption from the presence of anything specified (usually followed by from}

7.  the absence of or release from ties, obligations, etc.

 (from dictionary.com)

I like the word freedom.  I like the idea of freedom.  Free from schedules, things I don't want to do, places I don't want to go, or the freedom to do what I want, when I want, and how I want.

In case you haven't noticed, I'm a bit of a free spirit.  Schedules and routines and someone telling me what to do, well, they are hard for me.  I feel all constrained and confined, trapped.  I get all jumpy and grumpy and twitching and ...you get the picture.  I know, I know, a lot of people feel this way.  Nobody wants to go to work, well, most people don't.  I don't mind work, I just don't like micromanagement and strict schedules.

Now what does this really have to do with anything?  Freedom in Christ.  Does this mean we can dispense with all the foolishness of schedules and such?  No.  Not even our job.  The Bible has several clear passages on how we are to conduct ourselves while in service to someone.  Here are some for you to look up, Romans 13: 1-14, Ephesians 6: 5-8, Colossians 3: 22-25, Hebrews 13:17, and 1 Timothy 6: 1-2.

As much as I don't like to be micromanaged by a person, I love when God micromanages me.  There is a comfort, a sense of security knowing He is there guiding me, helping me, teaching me.  No, I don't always feel like this.  Sometimes I just simply want to do what I want to do.  Don't we all.  But that is another part of freedom...free will.  That is how God created us.  

He loves us so much and He wants us to love Him, but not because He makes us, but because it is our choice.  He wants us to serve Him, because we want to.  Once you have given your life to Jesus this is something we should all desire, but we are selfish, self-centered human beings.  We kind of like life to be all about us.  We need to chose to put ourselves last and be filled daily with the Holy Spirit and surrender to the will of God.  

When we chose to serve God and follow His ways it is ultimately for our good.  Romans 13:2 says, "Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation".  So, it stands to reason that if we resist God we get damnation, then if we submit we will receive eternal life.  John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  But we have a choice.  We are not forced to serve God or even believe in Him.  God wants us to love Him because we chose to.

Doesn't that make sense though?  Who would want empty adoration?  How could you trust or love someone who just goes through the motions because you are forcing them to do something they don't want to do?  I know I wouldn't want someone that way.

Gracious Heavenly Father,
I thank you so much for loving me, even when I didn't love You, even when I mess up now, You are always there to pick up the pieces and get me through.  I praise You.  Father, life is busy sometimes and I humbly ask that You have Your Holy Spirit send gentle reminders to just slow down, listen, and turn our eyes on You.

In Jesus Name
Amen