Friday, March 31, 2017

Real Freedom Requires Discipline

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
Real Freedom Requires Discipline - therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1b
I am free to do whatever I please ... and responsible for whatever it is I choose. God's desire and design is that I use it to live and act in Christ.  However, the demands of freedom cause many to return to the bonds of slavery.  But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? Galatians 4:9
Who would have thought that so many of the slaves after the Civil War in America would return to their masters of chains and bondage?  Freedom was before them but bondage was their way of life.  The Bible tells us we are free in Christ and yet so many times we find ourselves shackled and chained to our past feelings, thoughts, habits and religion.  We, like the slaves after the Civil War, forsake our freedom for a life of bondage, when we have been set free. 
The keys to our spiritual freedom were gained at Christ's death.  Christ has given us the keys of surrender, acceptance, confession, responsibility, forgiveness, transformation, and preservation to bring about spiritual renewal in each of our lives.  Too many prefer law over grace and the comfort of measurable religion to the freedom and adventure of a vibrant relationship with the living God.  To choose to be free means leaving conformity to the law and its condemnation to walk in the liberty of the Spirit of God within you.
How I Live Is The True Measure Of How Free I Am 
How much of my life is a freedom experience? Unless we accept God's gift of freedom we will never become who we are meant to be.  If the child never ventures beyond the comforting walls of hearth and home; if the adolescent does not cut the ties and head on off into this dangerous world to chart his or her own way.  If we as adults cannot at least for one small moment cease trying to live up to the expectations of others, and claim our freedom, we can never mature, and grow.
The work is done and the battle is won!  Jesus Christ has paid for our freedom.  "For freedom Christ has set us free."   God grants us our freedom unconditionally, without merit on our part, and without restriction as to how we may use it.  Now we have the opportunity to live free from the law of sin and death.

Scripture to Claim:
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

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