Do you wrestle with freedom? Would you rather someone guide you or provide you direction? Do you experience difficulty making decisions for yourself? Do you want to be free and have someone provide you direction? It is possible.
We are often conflicted. We want to be free. We want to be able to make our own decisions. We want to do what we want to do. Yet, when it comes to the details of performing tasks or understanding the sequence of tasks, we often want or need some instruction.
Do you see the conflict? Perhaps it is self-centeredness or ignorance or simply failing to open our eyes to see our own limitations. We need others who have more experience and knowledge to teach us how to do some things. It is how we learn and grow—for our entire lives.
We grow in the same way in our walk with Christ. We have been set free from the law of sin. However, most of us don’t fully realize the meaning of that statement. It means we no longer need to perform sacrifices, burnt offerings on a regular basis. It also means we no longer need to feel confined or restricted or burdened by our sin. We can ask for forgiveness immediately.
Our walk with Christ includes growing in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom for as long as we are willing to learn. We have the option to stop learning. Unfortunately, many choose this option, deciding they don’t want to put forth the effort required to continue learning. What they don’t realize is making this choice starts binding them up again. They become stuck.
As we continue to grow in Christ, our freedom continues to expand as well. We discover new freedoms. We realize there are man-made rules that contradict the grace of God. Our study of God’s Word continues to provide more insights, revealing more freedom.
Our freedom in God doesn’t mean we won’t need to make decisions. It does mean that we can rely on God to be with us and guide us in those decisions. We are given freedom to stumble and the freedom to succeed. The outcome is largely dependent on whether we listen to His guidance or not. The best news is we are not condemned when we are part of the body of Christ.
I pray we all decide to continue to learn about God. I pray we see the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. I pray each of us will choose to experience the freedom while listening to the guidance He provides. Choose freedom. Choose to learn. Choose to be free from sin. Choose to know God’s grace.
Romans 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Marty Pressey 