Part 1
While in Thailand, we rode nearly everywhere in the bed of a
truck. A thought dawned on me that this is illegal in most states. I began to
think about the freedoms that we have, the freedoms we think we have, and the
freedoms we don’t have in America. This blog isn’t anti-America, but I do want
to ponder the definition of freedom. Our definition of freedom will directly
relate to our understanding of the freedom Christ died for. (Gal. 5:1) True
freedom always evokes a choice. Right or wrong, good or evil, true freedom
gives a person a choice. It is for freedom that Christ set us free; Freedom
from habitual sin, bondage, and a slave to sin mentality. He died to allow us
the freedom to choose to love and serve Him or not. He gives us a choice to
abuse grace or live in it’s freedom. That is how scandalous and deep His grace
is. Law and rules will only result in the compliance of its subjects, and
compliance does not find its motivation in love.
Fear is a great motivator. But love. Love allows choice. Love
doesn’t manipulate or control; love allows the beloved to choose. Jesus died
for our freedom to choose Him. For example, in marriage, Holli and I choose to
love one another. Likewise, He is our husband, and we are His bride.
Our American understanding of freedom has corrupted the true
meaning of freedom. Safety outweighs personal desire or necessity. Rules and
regulations are in place to control us. We have created a safety net that
removes our dependence on our Father and His body (the church). He tells us He
is our provider, our protector, our comforter, and our refuge, and He has put
His church in place to care for one another. Do we know Him as He describes
Himself? Are we functioning as the Church like He intended?
I’m not suggesting a lawless society, but I do want to shake
our cages. Think of love as defined by the Bible. Perfect love casts out fear.
(1 John 4:18) How many Christians or Churches or doomsday advocates use fear to
control or manipulate people? If fear is present than we have not fully
experienced His perfect love, right? How do we refine our understanding and
definition of love and freedom? How do we embrace a life pursuing to live by
the Spirit? If we are told to live by the Spirit than He must be willing to
lead, and He must want to communicate with us.
