Freedom

Most of us would consider ourselves free. Freedom is a basic tenet of democracy.

The Bible speaks of a larger freedom, one which we find more elusive.  First, here is a question. Is your life marked more by

A. Anger, tension, debt, tiredness, envy, overeating, sarcasm, blame, overwork, fear, worry about what others think?

B. Love, sacrifice, deferred gratification, joy, contentment, generosity, patience, trust, kindness, self-control?

Sadly, I am often in the “A” category. Paul tells us (in Galations 5) that we are better off investing in Christ than depending on the world around us for our validation.  

  

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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

He further says, “Acts of love borne out of trust in God” truly make us free.

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. 

Galatians 5:6 (NIV)

Today, ask yourself if you are free (A) or trapped (B.) In whom or what do you really place your trust? If you want to be free or freer, try the same kind of love Christ did. When we love, we claim the freedom that is ours. Whether on the political battlefield or the spiritual one, the only freedom worth having is the one that costs.