Set Free in Christ!
This weekend, our country is celebratin’ Independence and freedom, the 4th of July! Many of us have special memories of the day and all its celebration. I reckon I have some memories of using fireworks in a way they weren’t intended. Yep, fun but dangerous.
I have a lot of good memories of the 4th celebrations of the past. It always seemed most memorable gathering together with friends and family. The turmoil of recent days seems to have cast a cloud on some of those memories. All I am going to say about it is that this land needs to turn to Christ.
I think about the freedoms we now enjoy because of those who took a stand for freedom. ]Just a note: if we ourselves don’t take a stand we will lose that freedom.
The men who signed the Declaration of Independence knowing they may have signed their own death warrant. A war would have to be fought and these new United States of America would have to defeat the highly trained British army. It seemed like impossible odds. But these men took a stand. The line had been drawn. We have a heritage in this land of standing for that freedom.
But what does it mean to be truly set free? If we turn to God’s word, we will see many examples of what it means to be truly free.
Over in John 8:34, Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants; yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you.” (nasb)
The only way to be set free is in and through Christ Jesus. Place your hope in Him!
Many of us go through life draggin’ around a burden much like a ball and chain. Trouble is… we don’t even know it.
Jesus talks about being free in Him. Really free! But free from what? I don’t wear any shackles. But am I free? In this country, we have freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, freedom to bear arms – we’re free to do most anything we like as long as it doesn’t harm others. There are some who seem to think it’s okay to harm others and their property.
But many of us wear the chains of needing the okay or approval from others. We get all shook up when nobody notices the things we have accomplished.
Some of us get complexes about bein’ evaluated by weight or height, or even skin color! Oh, what will people think? But God created us the same!
If you resemble the above, then you’re likely an approval addict. And if you “worry” that someone might think you are an approval addict then you probably are one. You see, we only think we are good enough when we think that others think we are. We are always lookin’ for a thumbs up in life.
Jesus teaches us that we must not look to worldly approval. Jesus taught that we are to do good without others knowin’ it. Just do it ‘cause it’s right! Jesus taught that we ought not to strive to please men. He only did that which pleased the Father.
So stop tryin’ to impress the folks that haven’t earned the right to tell you what to do. Give your life to Christ and ride for Him. And then you can know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own! You are set free in Christ! Y’all have a blessed 4th of July!
Choose Jesus, choose life and let your light shine! And find a Bible believin’ church where you “fit in” and know, grow, and follow Christ! Tell others! See y’all at church and keep PRAYIN’ for HIS HARVEST! And it’s hot and it’s July so pray for rain.