A Note of Encouragement

from Ciloa

It is for freedom from the ravages
of sin that Christ has set us free!

Read Galatians 5:1

Got Freedom?

Volume XVI, Issue 27

July 4, 2016

Freedom. A word used in various ways, many having nothing to do with the other.

There's political freedom to choose one's form of government and its leaders, religious freedom to follow a religion of choice or none at all, without restrictions or constraints, and even personal freedom to do, speak, and live as one wants, when one wants.

People against debt, dressed up as credit cards

Wall mural of men holding signs of political freedoms

Then there's freedom from taxes and oppression, the expectations and demands of others, traditions and moral standards, societal structures of family and marriage. There's also freedom from human bondage, whether actual slavery or the economic variety.

How does the Bible speak of freedom? Its ancient words paint pictures...of strolls in wide-open spaces...of streams flowing without restraint.

But in the New Testament there's a different freedom. It does not occur naturally, but comes from deliberate action. Does not rely on one's own power, but requires that of another. Cannot be taken, but must be given. It is not a right, but a deliverance.

This most important freedom---which Jesus brought to those who follow Him---was freedom from sin. More important than freedom from the oppressive Romans. More important than freedom from self-serving demands of Jewish leaders. More important than even slavery.

Why is such freedom so important? Because sin controls our lives. It enslaves us to destructive temptations. It lays the path for terrible consequences in this life and hereafter, harming generations of family and friends while making us believe we are free.

Filled with false freedom, we are separated from the love of God. We cannot see Him or hear Him or follow Him. And we cannot love Him, Who died for us so that we could see, hear, and follow.

Many across the world celebrate freedoms, yet no one is truly free to do what they want, when they want, as they want. Not all freedoms are available to everyone. And in many lands man-made freedoms are hopeless fantasies dying in the grip of heartless tyrants.

Woman with arms outstretched and broken chains

But freedom from sin is available to all...offered by God, not purchased from man...given every day to those who love Him, not as an occasional token. Why shared every day? Because we will cling to the failures of yesterday and miss our hope for today and His promise of tomorrow.

We need God's freedom every day. We need its assurance. We need its warmth. And we need its ever present reminder that we are loved...now and forever!

What about you? Would you rather have freedom from debt, cruel bosses, prying eyes, and oppressive governments or freedom from sin? Would you rather be a slave to this world or a servant of God?

Will you follow your heart......or His?

Take care & be God's,

Chuck

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