Many countries celebrate freedom. Sadly, freedom is not a reality in some countries. Interestingly, freedom with perspective is critical. Actually, true freedom is much more than a “right.” More accurately, it’s a “responsibility.”
Of course, it is to be cherished and enjoyed. Ultimately, however, it is to be protected by how you live and what you do to secure it going forward.
I’m excited about this first article in a short series – Be Free!
Let’s Tear Into – Freedom With Perspective
We always explore four categories in Scripture dissection:
- What Does It Say?
- What Does It Mean?
- Make It Personal.
- Make A Commitment.
1. What Does It Say?
To start, let’s look at a couple of verses about freedom and perspective.
“It is for freedom Christ has set you free. . . “ (Gal. 5:1)
“If you work to save your life, you will lose it. But if you lose (give up) your life for My sake, you will find it.” (Mt. 16:25)
“Be transformed by renewing your mind.” (Rom. 12:2)
That’s what those verses say.
2. What Does It Mean?
Freedom has been a hot topic through history. Wars have been fought to preserve or gain freedom. Additionally, freedom has always been important to God.
So, let’s interact with the above verses.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. . . “ (Gal. 5:1) This is incredible perspective! Remarkably, God intends you to live free! Incidentally, that was Christ’s life purpose.
“If you work to save your life, you will lose it. But if you lose (give up) your life for My sake, you will find it.” (Mt. 16:25) This does not mean freedom to keep sinning. Rather, it means – give up your life for Christ to gain the freedom He promises. Equally, if you try to save your life, you’ll lose your freedom – eventually your life. Interesting reality, don’t you think?
“Be transformed by renewing your mind.” (Rom. 12:2) This tells how you gain perspective. Incredibly, renewing your mind in God’s ways brings transformation and renewal. Of course, transformation brings healthy perspective.
God established freedom with perspective. That’s what those verses mean.
3. Make It Personal
Despite how sin and brokenness tarnishes people and this world, God still wants you free.
God’s freedom returns you to His original design – living by faith and knowing Him – by your own free choice.
Jesus Christ sets people free. In His goodness, He wants you unburdened by a yoke of slavery to sin – and unhealthy patterns.
Remarkably, He bore every sin ever committed in His own body and paid the penalty with His own life. Essentially, He usurped power from the enemy. Then, He gave it back to His own children. To you!
Subsequently, this means freedom with perspective.
How Can You Be Free?
How tragic to be God’s child and not be joyfully free! Especially, since your freedom is already paid for by Jesus’ own life blood. Jesus took the punishment so you could walk away from –
- Burdens.
- Unhealthy habits.
- Trickery and deception.
- Bondage.
And instead – to forever be you!
Incidentally, this is when you begin to live with perspective.
Perspective Changes You
Perspective changes you! It also helps you manage your –
- Relationships.
- Complicated and difficult situations.
- Health.
- Finances.
- Schedule.
- Basically, whatever you “put your hand to.”
Interestingly, the only way to live in freedom is to establish your perspectives on God’s Word, which never changes.
Opposing Perspectives
There are two opposing perspectives. Subsequently, you choose.
1. Agree With God
Agreeing with God is the best path. Surrender. Living sacrifice. (Rom. 12:1; 1 Pet. 2:5) Resolve helps you agree with God each day. Remember, God desires your freedom with perspective.
Jesus said, “In this world, you will have troubles. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” (Jn. 16:33)
Jesus has overcome the world. Conclusively, when you agree with God, you overcome your troubles. The “take-away?” Freedom gives perspective. So, agree with God.
2. Don’t Agree With God
If you follow your own ideas and path, you “act out” that you know better than God. Essentially, you want something more than blessings God offers. Sadly, you believe you’ll not be content until you have what you picture in your mind.
Unfortunately, when you get your own way, you may not like what you end up with. Plus, you can lose yourself in the process. Most critical, you find yourself at a distance from God. Frankly, you end up with complicated situations and compromised relationships.
The “take-away?” Agree with God no matter what! Regrettably, trashing God’s blueprint means losing yourself, perspective, and freedom.
Two Options – One Choice
Next, let’s examine just how different God’s and your enemy’s approach is. That should motivate you to pursue God’s freedom with perspective.
The Enemy’s Approach
Have you considered the enemy –
- Hates you completely.
- Constantly tries to deceive you.
- Takes advantage of you when you’re down.
- Bugs and irritates without end.
- Deliberately weaves hurt into your life!
- Casts evil, hurtful, dysfunctional shadows over you.
These points severely limit your freedom and perspective.
Christ’s Approach
Now, consider Jesus –
- Loves you perfectly.
- Always tells you the truth.
- Compassionately lifts you up when down.
- Enables and encourages your spirit – always.
- Deliberately weaves love, healing, and intervention into your life!
- Casts shadows of second chances, new beginnings, grace, peace, and joy over you.
(Notice every point in Christ’s approach is in direct opposition to every point of the enemy’s approach.)
Shadows from God always transform you into His image.
Perspective Influences You
Perspective influences you, your thoughts, words, and actions. Naturally, these establish what you practice. Essentially, what you practice affects who you become. Perspective influences your freedom.
God declares, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are My ways your ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My thoughts are higher than your thoughts, and My ways are higher than your ways.” (Is. 55:9)
The best way to adopt stable perspectives is to think like God. Additionally, love Him. Spend time in His Word. Talk with Him.
To Fix Perspective – Start Here:
Humble yourself. Admit you don’t have everything together. “Fix your eyes on Jesus.” (Heb. 12:2) Since He knows all things and does have it all together, trust Him. He wants to share Himself with you. His heart is filled with love and compassion for you. By faith, let go and fall into God’s care. He will help you manage your entire life.- Ask God for wisdom, help, and strength. You can’t change by yourself. Sometimes you don’t even know where to start. Ask God to help. Keep in mind, you need to receive from Him. So, open your heart to Him. He is poised in “ready position.” The split second you turn to Him in faith, He springs into action on your behalf. “Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Is. 65:24)
- Seek His face always. God’s face? Really? Did you know you can see God through eyes of faith? (1 Chron. 16:11; Ps. 27:8; Ps. 105:4) The Bible says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” (Heb. 11:6) So, always look to Him through your “faith glasses.”
- Remember what God has done . . . for you and others –
- Wonders.
- Miracles.
- Judgments He has pronounced. (1 Chron. 16:12; Ps. 105:5)
Summary:
- First, humble yourself.
- Next, ask God for wisdom, help, and strength.
- Then, seek His face always.
- Finally, remember what He’s done.
Daily, look into God’s “spiritual mirror.” Do you see Christ increasingly? Indeed, this is how you make our verses personal.
4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts And Questions
When we explored your enemy’s approach and Jesus’ approach, we said –
- The enemy casts evil, hurtful, dysfunctional shadows over you.
- Jesus’ approach casts shadows of second chances, new beginnings, grace, peace, and joy over you.
Now, some questions –
- What kind of shadows do you want hanging over your life?
- Will you stay close to Jesus, under His safe shadows?
- Additionally, have you embraced God’s hope in your life? Remember Jer. 29:11 says, “I know the plans I have for you . . . to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Believe this!
- What kind of changes should you make to live in God’s safe shadows?
- Further, will you join Jesus in casting His good shadows over other people’s lives?
-
- Safe shadows.
- Comforting shadows.
- Encouraging shadows.
- Shadows that accurately represent God’s love.
- Further, the kind of shadows that give confidence.
- Shadows that make hope real.
- Finally, Shadows of things to come.
-
- Finally, what specific thing(s) can you do to plant hope and freedom in someone’s heart today?
This is the first article in a short series – Be Free! Stay tuned for two more.
- Check Points To Freedom (Part 2)
- Stay In Freedom (Part 3)
A Bible Study For Your Quiet Time!
* Portions of this content come from my book Shadows of Things To Come – a study in Hebrews. This devotional book explores merciful, kind shadows of Jesus over your life. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app or use our online player at the top of each article.
Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.
