Freedom - From What? For What?

by Poppy Smith

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For Americans around the world, July 4th means celebrating their freedom from the tyranny of the British in the 18th century. It also means sizzling barbecues, neighborhood get-togethers, and the popping, crackling, and whooshing of spectacular firework displays.

Freedom is a gift many of us enjoy, even though we might not think about it very much. Just imagine NOT having the freedom to speak your convictions without fear of the police knocking on your door, or being able to believe, worship, live, and pursue your dreams. It isn't something any of us want to envision, and yet many of our brothers and sisters live with this reality. So, celebrate your freedom wherever you live—you are enjoying a blessing from God!

But there's more to freedom than this. Because of Christ's victory on the Cross, we have been set free spiritually and emotionally, but we only enjoy these freedoms to the degree we know and experience them day by day. Paul writes in Ephesians about our freedoms in Christ; freedoms that bring the blessings of peace, joy, self-acceptance, purpose and a sense of belonging and being loved. Mull over the following and celebrate—wherever you live and whatever nationality you are.

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Freedoms in Christ: (taken from Ephesians)

I am freed from going through life:

Depending on my own strengths - instead, God promises me every spiritual blessing in Christ. He will supply what I need. 1:3

Believing my life is an accident. He chose me to be His person in today's culture. 1:4

Feeling unwanted. God had great pleasure in adopting me. 1:5-6
Carrying guilt and shame. My sins are forgiven because Christ died for me. 1:7-8

Without a purpose. I am called to live in a way that brings praise to Him. 1:11-12

Without the help I need to grow spiritually. I have the Holy Spirit within me. 1:13

Weighed down by my past failures. I am freed from what I was. 2:1-3
Believing I have to earn God's love. His grace keeps me even when I mess up. 2:8-9

Believing others are gifted and called to do good works, but not me. There are good acts God created me specially to accomplish. 2:10

I can think of many more freedoms that come through our relationship with Jesus—the freedom to walk in peace instead of being in bondage to anxiety and fear. The freedom to love and forgive instead of being enchained by hurts and grudges. The freedom to sing and have hope instead of being overwhelmed with hopelessness.

How about starting your own list of spiritual and emotional freedoms you have experienced? If you do, take a moment and send me an email so I can share your comments with others. Here's the question: What has your faith in Jesus freed you from?

Copyright 2008 - Poppy Smith. All rights reserved.

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