Freedom is not Always Free

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“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." – Galatians 5:13

“It’s my life, I am free to do what I want with it.”
“I have freedom of speech, and you can’t take that away from me.”
“I’m not hurting you, I am free to do whatever I choose.”

There is an assumed freedom that comes with life.  The freedom to make our own choices, to have our own thoughts and to pursue our own happiness, independent of every other human walking this earth today.  Albeit` true in every sense of the word, it is far from being free, as defined in the word of God.  When we think of freedom, often times we associate the word with our rights and liberties to pursue that which brings us joy in life.  Often times it is minimized or taken for granted by those who have authority over us – our politicians, government, employer or faculty.  It is used as a rebellious term to deny another from taking our rights away unfairly or unjustly.  Dependent on the country in which you live, you are given certain rights by the laws of your land, which dictate your liberties and freedoms based on man’s understanding of right and wrong.

But, by what authority do we have to determine right from wrong?  Are the governing bodies more adept at understanding right from wrong than the citizens?  Is it right to smoke in a public restaurant?  Many countries have determined that for health reasons, this freedom has been revoked.  Are we free to pick up a weapon and for no reason, randomly shoot someone?  How absurd would that be.  I’m sure we all can agree that providing that level of freedom would have serious impacts on the well being of citizens all over the globe.  Other freedoms that have come into question over the last 10 years or so: abortion, gay and lesbian rights, promiscuity, religion, legalized drugs, privacy and censorship, freedom of speech or creative expression and immigration.  Where is the authority of mankind on these things?  Who determines that these are or are not within our legal rights and freedom of choice?

Laws, guidelines and rules are put into place in an attempt to control the chaos of a society without rules.  Mankind can only use the wisdom, knowledge and facts presented before them to make these decisions at any given moment.  But there is a higher authority, by which these freedoms must be judged one day.  The authority of God Almighty will be the final answer, and to His judgment there is no grey area.

God has provided the sacrifice of His only Son, to overcome the sins of mankind.  The corruptness and decadence of mankind does not deserve the right to eternal life, yet it is granted for those who choose to accept His Son as their Savior and Lord.  This is the most pure act love ever demonstrated since creation – God’s offering of grace ushered in the true freedom that is discussed in the scripture.  This is the freedom from eternal damnation to the pits of Hell, based on the unrighteous and sinful acts of mankind. 

We are each born into sin, based on the original sin of Adam and carried through the blood of humanity over generations and generations.  This inherent propensity for sin is not something that is learned or conjured up after birth, but rather it is expanded by our choices and decisions made throughout our lifetime.  As such, we are each destined to an eternity of separation from God Almighty in the fiery lake (Rev 19:20).  This is what makes God’s grace so unbelievable, that despite our wickedness and unrighteousness, He has provided us salvation through Jesus Christ.  This is the true freedom offered by the Lord. 

This freedom is eternal, not temporary on this earth.  In choosing this freedom though we are subject to a life of living within the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us.  This freedom is not an excuse or reason to continue the life of sinfulness and unrighteousness as in the past, but the ability to be free from those things that separate you from God.  Only God will judge you for your actions and choices, but be sure that His Word is the truth and will be the final say on the “freedoms” you seem to cherish so much in this life.  If these freedoms and rights that you cling to are outside of His righteousness and the Holy Spirit’s guidance then it may be time to reconsider just how free they really are.  It may end up costing you everything in the end.
             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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Understanding our Roots

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“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”  – Galatians 5:13

On this the eve before our 236^th celebration of America’s Independence from Great Britain, I can think of no better words than the words of George Washington.  These words were spoken from the steps of the Federal Treasury building on April 30, 1789 in his Inaugural Address to Congress and the citizens of the United States of America as their first President.  He followed this action by leading a procession from the Federal building to the St. Paul’s Chapel in New York City, and once there led the nation in consecrating this great land to serve God Almighty.  From the beginning of our existence as a nation, we have been a nation built on the principals of our Heavenly Father.  St Pauls Chapel still stands to this very day, having survived several fires and the catrastrophic actions on 9-11-2001.  I view this small chapel as a symbol of God’s Blessing on this nation, when we are willing to humble ourselves and serve Him.

“…Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station; it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the People of the United States, a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes: and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success, the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own; nor those of my fellow-citizens at large, less than either. No People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency. And in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their United Government, the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities, from which the event has resulted, cannot be compared with the means by which most Governments have been established, without some return of pious gratitude along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me I trust in thinking, that there are none under the influence of which, the proceedings of a new and free Government can more auspiciously commence.”  - G. Washington, 1789

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Let your blessings continue to reign on the citizens of the United States of America.  We ask that you show us mercy in our weakness and provide us guidance in our prideful ways that we might humble ourselves and serve in the manner demonstrated by our Savior and Lord – Jesus Christ.  Help us to take a strong stand for righteousness and justice in this world, and to stand for Your Kingdom as our fore-fathers have done before us.  Let us learn from generations gone by the wonder and sovereignty of your ways, that we might be held closely to your bosom once again.  We long for your presence in our land – Amen.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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