Authority/Freedom

There is so much to be said on authority. Some relate to the military "Just following orders"; others may relate to their work environment "I just do the job I have been hired for". Or maybe you are of the age that just does what your parents and teachers tell you-they are your elders and know what is best. Whatever you relate to it is not as simple as that. Let me say that again, "It is not that SIMPLE"!

While you read what follows think upon the scripture and think about your own life of sin and the restoration the Lord provided. Think of how you live and why you listen to the authority you are placed under. Dig out the scripture for yourself and examine your lifestyle.

When I think upon Saul's life and how he hunted out Christians and slaughtered them my heart begins to pound. What was he thinking? Was he just following orders? Saul was a learned man, one of the Pharisees. He could reason and speak truthfully about the scripture he had learned as a young man. My conclusion is-"No", he was not just following orders. He had made a conscience decision and was certain he was doing the correct thing; in addition to following the orders of his superiors. Otherwise, the Damascus experience would not have been necessary.

In that one moment on the road to Damascus, Christ struck Saul off his "high" horse and led him into the whole truth. Saul, renamed Paul, was instructed by the man who laid hands on his eyes and most importantly taught, edified, and encouraged by the one and only Holy Spirit-the same Holy Spirit who leads and guides all believers today into the truth. Paul had a revelation about who Jesus was and is and then he was given his purpose in life to carry out. It was not until many years later, that Paul met up with the original apostles.

Today there are many rules and regulations set into place. Some are for our protection and safety while others are meant to keep order in society. These rules are of our own making to keep up with the mores of this day and age. Some of these are political, social, and even some religious traditions and doctrines all set into place to hold people in a certain place and mindset.

With that said, whose authority do we allow ourselves to be placed under? Man or God or both? I say both. However, when man's rules and traditions interfere with God's, I draw the line and go the way of the Cross.

So, fellow believers, it is imperative that we get into the Word of God for ourselves. Do not take every whim and doctrine spoken from the platform as truth. Do you read a book or something on the Internet and believe it tells the absolute truth? The only one who will lead and guide us into the perfect truth is the Holy Spirit as we read the Word of God and listen to that inner voice so gently and quietly speaking to us all. As the days go by the stronger we will become in the truth and the louder will be His voice and clearer will be His ways in our lives. Without a personal relationship Jesus Christ we will be lost forever. Get under the umbrella of the Truth and be set free. A freedom that will be beyond your expectations a freedom that will last throughout eternity!

Think upon these things and let us know your thoughts and revelations. The decision is yours, just like it was Saul's. Be changed. Live in the truth and the truth will set you free!

Freedom

Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. (NIV)

Every day I am thankful for the freedom we have in this country of ours. As much as we may complain there is not another to compare us to. Even just having the freedom to complain is unheard of in other places.

Our freedom is based on the freedom Jesus died for us to have. In our following of God's principles which we read about in His Holy Word, we exercise freedom in all we do and say. It is freedom in Christ it was all based on. This country was founded on Christian principles and as hard as the enemy tries to change it, we continue to be led by His principles laid out over two hundred years ago by our founding fathers.

In freedom we have choice and of course that includes the freedom to choose to follow the enemy instead of God. And we make choices every day that push and pull us off the line leading to truth and eternity with our Father God.

If we truly follow the principles laid out in the Bible and the leading of the Christ within, the Holy Spirit, we will continue to walk in that freedom and our rewards will be great.

But our freedom of choice allows us to step over the line and indulged the sinful nature present in each of us. This is what has us ignore the speed laws, accept payment "under the table", tell white lies, get angry at other drivers giving them the one finger salute, drink and drive, cheat on our taxes, steal cable channels, and more. You know what you do, but may not attribute it to your sinful nature.

"Lord God, help us toe the line. Give us the wisdom to know when we are tempted to cross that line and indulge in sin. Open our ears to the cry of the Holy Spirit warning us. When we mess up, accept our apology and forgive us. In Jesus name; Amen."

Shepherd of Faith Ministries

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