Freedom in Christ

I think about the times God has saved and protected me.  When I was with the wrong people, in places I shouldn’t have been.  The moments friends, advisors, and Elders have “randomly” checked in on me by sending a text or calling to point me back to God, by sending a scripture or prayer. I would say under my breath, “I can’t get away with anything.” But even that was a mercy. I was on a path of tangling myself up in relationships with men that I knew I had no business being with. I thought I was having fun because I got a momentary thrill of being held or making them laugh. I look back knowing situations could have taken a left turn, and I could have been in danger. Truth be told, that “fun” left me feeling empty and tied in knots. Being reminded of God’s word and my identity again and again sobered me and freed me. 

I learned that, knowing in my heart and with everything within me, God’s deep, deep love for me gives me self-control. His deep love gives me patience and goodness. God’s word — his law, commandments, promises, and every single scripture that points to Christ -  isn’t to shame me, but to protect me so that I can enjoy my true freedom in Him alone. 

In Galatians 5:1, Paul writes, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” 

Freedom is not the absence of boundaries, and true freedom is not the ability to do anything. It’s Christ’s power in us to do what is right, to obey. The world sells us a version of freedom of doing whatever we want, whenever we want. 

When Paul says to stand firm, that reminds me of taking an intentional posture.  God’s word is stronger than any temptation or feeling of loneliness and boredom. So when I take this posture in my heart, I know that I am being covered and kept safe. It’s also a reminder that I cannot earn his love when I do obey. 

I have more than I could have ever imagined because I belong to God. I lack nothing in Christ, and he’s the only one who can truly satisfy. I don’t have to chase after anyone or anything else. That is freedom. 

Prayer: God, I’m so grateful. Thank you for your perfection. You alone are all-knowing and ever-present. I am grateful for your protection, redemption, and forgiveness. Thank you for your word. When our flesh, the enemy, and the world want to remind us to do what we please in our eyes, Holy Spirit, remind us of the true freedom we have in you. Thank you for sending your only begotten son, Jesus, to pay our debt and purchase our freedom on the cross. Thank you for the gift of salvation and the eternal gift of being yours, forever. Amen.