2:185 – Freedom Reigns

#faithbites #faithjourney freedom

Today is the Fourth of July and in the US it means celebrating our birth as a nation and freedom. Many choose to celebrate with pools, BBQs, fireworks, beverages, parades, and more. At our house we celebrated with some pool time, ribs, corn, mashed potatoes, and strawberry shortcake. No fireworks as we were all beat, but we appreciate the freedoms we have.

While we love America, we know she isn’t perfect. We have more freedoms than others on the planet but many in our country don’t share equally in that gift. No matter what a nation does or does not give in terms of freedom, believing in God is both free and freeing.

Scripture

• So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed – John 8:36
• Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom – 2 Corinthians 3:17
• You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
  For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Galatians 5:13-14

Reflection

Our three verses flow in progression of freedom. First, when we believe in Christ we are free as he sets us free. Without him, we would be a slave to sin. Then it goes beyond us. Wherever the Lord is there is freedom. It’s not contained in just us or just a place. Everywhere he is welcomed and or a present (which is everywhere), then there is freedom. This freedom isn’t just for you or me but everyone. The. We end with how we are to love with freedom. We are to love in the spirit, not the flesh, and to love one another as God loves us.

It’s a pretty easy progression through Christ, but many of us stop at step one or two. We believe and are saved. We even welcome him into our families. Some though, and I’m included from time to time, get stuck in living in the flesh and not extending his love and freedoms to everyone. This is a challenge. When we see others not like us or behaving differently than we do, we pull back. Instead of holding on tight, let’s turn to sharing. Let’s make sure God and everyone know we love him and he is welcome in this place.

Charge

How do you show your freedom? Do you relish in it? Do you want to keep it for yourself? See how you can love thy neighbor by sharing this freedom. There is infinite love from God and infinite salvation from Christ. We can nothing by keeping others out but increase the family of God by sharing it.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for our nation’s independence. We are blessed to live in a country where we are free to choose, free to worship, and free share the gifts you give us. Often, we aren’t as free about sharing that love and freedom with others. Help us to open our hearts and live in the spirit. Give us the tools to share your love to all and help them find freedom and salvation in your name. Amen.