Use Your Freedom for Christ's Kingdom.

Our national interest in freedom has been renewed since 9-11.  There have many words about appreciation for our freedom and the need to protect our freedoms.  We have a renewed reverence for those who sacrificed for our freedom.  Freedom comes up in discussions about restricting individuals' behaviors.

I knew a guy who was imprisoned for 5 years.  After his release, he shared that he would never forget the sense of being watched and guarded, and that he had a new appreciation for his freedom.

Unfortunately, we’ve often abused our freedom and suffered the consequences.  Too many deserts and junk foods have added to some of our waistlines.  As youth and young adults, many of us abused our freedom by doing foolish things, and we learned from the school of hard knocks.

Galatians 5:1 says, ”It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery.”  In Gal. 5:13, Paul cautions us, ”You, my brothers, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”

I Peter 2:16-18 warns and instructs us, ”Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone; love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”

I have come to see our spiritual and legal freedoms as a treasure to be guarded and protected.  It is also to be used to serve the Lord and others.  When you watch the 4^th of July fireworks, remember the sacrifices of those who gave of themselves for our freedom.  Pray for our national leaders.  Obey the instructions of Galatians and I Peter quoted above:  Live as servants of God, and use your freedom to serve others in love.  Use your freedom for Christ’s Kingdom.

In the Master’s service.