Freedom

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:1, 19-24

What is FREEDOM for our world today? My first thought and prayer is for all the people in the world who are not free. We are enslaved by everything from alcohol, pornography, consumption, greed, fear, violence, politics and more. However, I think Paul may be pointing us a much greater and deeper freedom. This is the personal freedom that God has given each and every one of us to choose good or choose bad; to choose Him or the ways of the world.

God created us for love in His image. And ‘Christ has set us free’ from sin, from everything that separates us from God.

So many times I find myself making choices that keep me at a distance from God. It is fear that keeps me from taking my worries to God in prayer. It is pride that finds me in Target instead of my Bible. It is selfishness that keeps me from reaching out to a friend who is hurting.

And yet God offers me freedom. The freedom to act in Love or to act on my fears. The freedom to choose Him. This is why people like Anne Frank and Deitrich Bonhoeffer and Nelson Mandela are so inspiring – in the midst of enormous suffering, they found real Freedom.

I believe that every time you and I have the courage to act in Love, the kingdom of God is expanded. Freedom in Christ is not just a ticket to heaven, it is Life With God today. To God be the Glory. Amen.

“The will of God, to which the law gives expression, is that men should defeat their enemies by loving them.”
– Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

This devotion is written by Patty Forsberg, coordinator of the Sheridan Writing Team. 

If you are interested in joining the writing team, email Patty at p.forsberg@sheridanlutheran.org.

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