Freedom in Christ

The following statement are various definitions of freedom and liberty.

• the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint

• the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views
  

• the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved

Paul put it this way in Gal 5:1 “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” and again “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only {do} not {turn} your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Gal 5:13

Peter conveyed the same idea in 1Pe 2:16  “Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but {use it} as bondslaves of God.”  And again 2Pe 2:19 “...promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.” He goes on to refer to those who abuse their freedom in Christ to being like a dog that returns to its vomit! (Pretty descriptive...huh?).

 I am very concerned about some things that I see and hear lately among Christians, all in the name of "freedom". Although I do not want any body to live under the bondage of religious rules and regulations or to view Christianity as a lifeless, dull, depressing, and repressive philosophy of life, neither do I want to anyone drift from a passionate heart for Jesus and become enslaved to this world and its lusts.

We are warned in Scripture to “Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it {flow} the springs of life.” Pro 4:23. Our heart is like a warehouse that must be protected because what we allow in will flow out. What is stored there will dictate the course of our life. Our five senses are the “loading docks” for this warehouse and we need to place an armed guard at each one to protect the contents of our heart.

This includes everything: music, entertainment, networking, relationships, and the list goes on and on. As a side note, you should also do what it takes to protect others as well. Don’t allow your behavior or activities to lead someone astray. Society pressures us non stop to look,act, and think sensually and to make ourselves alluring but the Bible says that you are defrauding others when you do that. 1 Thess 4:2-7. These verses also warn us that God will judge us in these matters.

1 Cor 10:31 tells us to do everything we do “to the glory of God” and 2 Cor 5:9 informs us that our ambition should be to be pleasing to Him. I encourgae you to examine your heart and your conduct/activities. Is Jesus Lord (in control) of your life. Is He your everything? Do you live to honor and please Him? Will you honestly ask Him to search your heart and to turn His eyes upon your activities, entertainment, relationships, thoughts, attitudes, etc. True joy is found in His presence alone! I’m not talking about rules imposed by others (including me) but allowing Him to write His law on your heart by the Spirit and leading you in to REAL life. Think about it.