Freedom is a funny thing and many people talk about it as if it’s something that is able to be obtained doing whatever you want, when and where and with whoever you want.
It’s why those seeking freedom push against the externals thinking that if they have simply freedom in their choices and behaviour they will achieve the liberty and peace they crave.
Unfortunately, you can have all the freedom you want and still live as a captive. Captive to your past, the consequences of your choices, mistakes, existing with a lack of peace in your heart and mind; feeling a disquiet deep in your soul.
In contrast to all this search for freedom that the world encourages, Jesus talked a lot about how he had come to give us freedom. He said, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
“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.” (Galatians 5:1)
Freedom is defined in the dictionary as the power or right to act, speak, or think without hindrance or restraint.
That is what Jesus has done for us. He says we are free to live to our fullest capacity no longer bound by our weaknesses, fears, habits, and inadequacies. The key however is to renew our thinking and heart attitude to line up with how he thinks about us and our future so that we live out of that truth rather than any past facts. Facts change, truth does not!
The freedom Jesus talks about is the freedom to live to your capacity. He wants us to be free from bondage, penalty, and the guilt of our mistakes and the things that make us fall short of who God created us to be.
But it’s difficult to step into the fullness of God’s plan for you or the freedom he gives if
Today I encourage you to align your heart and life with the freedom that Jesus offers. Exchange the guilt, regret, pain, shame, and desire to win others’ approval and acceptance for the freedom Jesus offers.
It’s a soul peace and freedom that can’t be bought or attained by anything we can do or say, smoke, drink, or pop a pill for. It’s gained simply by saying, Lord, please forgive me, and thank you for setting me free. Jesus said, “Who the son sets free is free indeed”. (John 8:36)
He has a plan for your life that far exceeds and is better than anything you can think up or imagine and he’s prepared in advance good things for you to walk in. (Ephesians 2:10). (Ephesians 3:20)
Then choose every day to follow his lead and his guidelines in the Bible. He’ll help you avoid the pitfalls, weights, shame, and things that are designed to wrap you up in bondage again and increase your capacity to have a vibrant, loving relationship with Him and with others. He'll also give you freedom and strength to help you move through any residual guilt and shame from your past as you come to know how much much you are loved. (1 John 3:1)
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” - Jesus (John 10:10).
"What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are." (1 John 3:1)
Prayer: Lord Jesus I thank you that you have done everything already for me. Please help me to choose every day to fill my heart and mind with what you say, and be open to receiving your love so that I would live out the freedom I have in you. In Jesus Name Amen.