Freedom!
I am very patriotic about the freedom we enjoy in our country. This freedom is still being defended and protected by young men and women who believe in the “land of the free and the home of the brave”. I’d gladly fight for our freedom even at my age. Freedom really isn’t free, but it’s a mindset shift by recognizing how blessed we are.
Freedom without responsibility leads to bondage. I’m not sure where I first heard that, but I think it’s true. We have so many freedoms and we also have boundaries within our freedom. These boundaries give protection and direction – both of which we need to really enjoy the freedom we now have.
Malachi is a prophet who was predicting judgment day. He was explaining that the people who fear and respect the Lord will be fine, but the arrogant and wicked will be destroyed. Check this out….
1The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all.
2 “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. (Malachi 4:1-2 NLT)
I have been following the Lord for many years. I have walked outside the boundaries the Lord set for me. I have fallen on my face. I have stumbled and struggled. The boundaries are not meant to hold me back from fun and blessing. The boundaries are meant more for my protection from harm and hurt.
As I’ve gotten older (and hopefully wiser), I realize the tremendous value of the freedom I have in Jesus. He came to love. He came to serve. He brings hope. He brings help. He gives me directions. He gives me purpose.
The freedom I have from Jesus costs Him His life! He willingly gave His life for my freedom. He gave His life so that my life could be restored to God, Who created me in the first place.
“Love can only exist where freedom and responsibility are operating.” – Henry Cloud
Pressing On!
Dwayne