FREEDOM IS A GIFT — HOW ARE YOU USING IT?

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”—Galatians 5:13

On this Independence Day, consider the question, How do you use the gift of freedom?  God gives all believers true liberty through His Son Jesus Christ.  Do you squander that blessing or share it with others?  The problem is, some people are so focused on their own needs and desires that they fail to impact even their closest neighbor.

Think about the people you see every week.  Do you know how many of your neighbors are sick?  Are there people in your church who struggle to make it from day-to-day?  Do you know if any of your co-workers are going through hardships?  Most likely, there are individuals all around you who could use assistance.  But being self-focused limits our ability to notice those people, let alone reach out to them.

Jesus taught His disciples, “You are the salt of the earth; but it the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?  It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.  You are the light of the world. A city that is set on hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).  In order for salt to remain useful, it must maintain its purity and potency.  Likewise, we must endeavor to lead holy, humble, and loving lives, focusing on the Savior’s will rather than our own. 

God has prepared the good works that we are to walk in.  Our job is to choose to do so.   “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before hand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).    

Whether or not, we affect our world positively depends on the focus of our heart.  Do you look inward to consider how you can do more to get ahead and add to your lot in life?  Or do you look outward and think about ways that you can do more to serve other?  Allow the freedom that Christ paid so great a price, to ring in your heart everyday.  Let your light shine as you look for ways to help other people.

Prayer—Father thank You that Your Son, Jesus, paid a great price for my freedom.  Today I am reminded that freedom is a liberty that I choose to use to serve others, in Jesus Name.  Amen.