See that man and woman engrossed with all that the world can offer in material goods — How happy they appear? Yet, inside they may be bound by greed and lust, imprisoned within themselves, falling apart from the inside out. The equally greedy markets and media of this world prop them up in front of us all as if to say–
“Here, here are your examples of freedom and success!” The American dream!
The world and the devil love it when you and I compare our lives to the seeming success of others. They hope we will feel inferior and go out and work even more hours, buy more stuff and then reassess our value. We come apart at our seams chasing after the winds of popularity and acceptance. The world also cares not when we ignore or abandon our children and families in this vain pursuit. It all starts when “I compare my insides to their outsides.” I practice envy and then I punish myself for being less-than.
Would that freedom and happiness always come in the same packaged gift.
We are not free in this country because we can get up and go wherever we want with no resistance, though we must be thankful that we can. Great price has been paid and is still paid for each of us. Thank you, servants of military and community. In fact, such freedom is perhaps more than our disciplined will can withstand?
We are not free because our government says we are, though we pray for and obey all in authority over us as they rule according to their boundary set by God and equally defined by Him. (Rom. 13)
All around us, and inside some of us, are the chains of bondage and slavery within.
Yes, we can look calm, collected and serene, but it is like the duck on the pond, poised on top, but madness underneath with frantic paddling.
Many of us launch out into destructive lifestyles either on a whim/bent, or because some Hollywood actor told us it would be good for us, just like on TV. We learn sooner or later that there is no such thing as Reality on TV. All TV is programed for sale. (this is how all the vices are sold and promoted as fun and healthy)
Because of all the slick deceptive work of evil in our midst, we rarely see the individual who goes home alone AFTER the parade in their honor. (SSM—homosexuality, transgender) Despite legal pronouncements and phony supporters, their depression and grief are only worsened. The inner construct of conscience and truth refuse to conform to false narrative. Our law makers may pronounce “legal” while God concurrently pronounces “sinful and self-destructive with broad reaching consequence.”
Even those who have been freed from sin (born again) can once again become yoked together with sin. They have not lost their salvation but they have begun a cover up that will require confession and repentance to restore their fellowship with God.
“The Law came, so that the full power of sin could be seen. Yet where sin was powerful, God’s kindness was even more powerful. Sin ruled by means of death. But God’s kindness now rules, and God has accepted us because of Jesus Christ our Lord. This means that we will have eternal life. What should we say? Should we keep on sinning, so that God’s wonderful kindness will show up even better? No, we should not! If we are dead to sin, how can we go on sinning? –Romans 5:20-21; 6:1-2
As soon as God frees us, he makes us into Servants! Why is this freedom?
How blessed we are to be called by God to serve Him.
So then, live as free people. Share the freedom that you did not earn, just as “one beggar sharing bread with another”.
Trust the bible, the word of God for direction, belief, correction and life itself.
We live out our spiritual freedom as we tell others of His love through Christ.
Jesus said:
“The Lord’s Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen me to tell the good news to the poor. The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers, and to say, ‘This is the year the Lord has chosen.’” Luke 4:18
“If the Son gives you freedom, you are free indeed.” John 8:36
Fear not the Pop Culture and false bravado of this world. The people of this world will have parades exclaiming their freedom, while yet living as slaves to sin. Where is our compassion? Where is the Love of Christ within us for them?
May I encourage you and myself to remember something?
God needs us to serve Him.
He does not need us to try and fix the broken world. He does not need us to take up for Him, only to stand up.
Take care that you and I do not cover up our freedoms for fear of being unpopular or unfairly judged.
God has already planned our service for Him today. Let’s get busy.
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” I Peter 2:16
“So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
“My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love. All that the Law says can be summed up in the command to love others as much as you love yourself. But if you keep attacking each other like wild animals, you had better watch out or you will destroy yourselves.” Galatians 5:13-15
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