FREEDOM, by Debb Hackett
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
Freedom has been on my heart and mind this week, as my family is all in isolation, with COVID-19. The first two members are free on Thursday. My escape follows on Saturday and the final person, our eldest, on Monday.
While resting (a lot), feeling like junk (a lot) and whining (even more), I’ve also spent time deciding what to do with those first few days where we can reenter the world without fear of contaminating it.
Freedom is a sensitive subject. For some it means lifestyle choice, privacy, the ability to make decisions about one’s life. For Jesus, it meant the escape or throwing off of condemnation. And it’s his free gift to us.
The Responsibility of Freedom
But still, as with my ‘medical parole,’ there’s responsibility. First, with the freedom Christ offers, we have to believe it. I must admit since the positive tests (two of them) I’ve felt unclean and I’m not sure if I’ll feel differently just because the date on the calendar changes. Second, I must accept the freedom. Sometimes, when something’s too good to be true, we might believe it on a theoretical level, but think we don’t deserve it. However, if some sin is separating you from Jesus, please remember he came for everyone.
Then finally, I need to use my freedom wisely. This virus is really tiring, so picking a ten-mile hike isn’t smart. But perhaps a short stroll followed by tea and cake would work. (Cake always works).
This principle is the same with spiritual freedom. We need to choose what we do with it. We can speak or be quiet. Live our gift boldly or continue very much as we were before.
My challenge to you this week is to pick one thing. Big or small, that will show someone else the beauty of the freedom you have found in Christ. And if you haven’t taken that step yet, let me point you at the New Testament book of John for some fundamental answers.
About the author
Debb Hackett is a military wife and mom and a regular member of the Arise Daily devotional team. She loves helping writers become speakers, and characters find happy endings (eventually). Debb is an avid reader and worshiper, a mediocre musician and skier, passionate Green Bay Packers fan and may have an issue with Christmas decorations.
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Thank you for this reminder of how precious Freedom is and how so many of us take it for granted. So many in the world experience almost no freedom to think, let alone act without considering the cost in taking that step because of the oppressive regime or abusive relationship they live under or with and which deny them their basic rights as human beings. Many others live under the threat of reprisals for following their basic right to express their to faith, especially their Christian faith. In many Countries Faith and the Freedom to follow Christ are words and ideals that come at a cost the vast majority of us will never have to consider.
Hope you and your people are all up and going, fully recovered soon. For us the virus that “must not be named” was some thing we didn’t look forward to experiencing, figured odds were good we would, and once we’d had it felt relieved and yes…liberated from the the fear of the unknown. Your words here make me wonder if perhaps some people experience a bit of fear surrounding the freedom Jesus offers as well. The idea of obtaining freedom through surrender seems counter intuitive, but friends it is indeed worth it!
Thank you so much for sharing. I always need a reminder that freedom came at a price – sometimes I pay the price, and sometimes others pay it. And the ultimate payment was when Jesus died for me. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.