There’s a very expensive treasure in this world: freedom! Collectively, a huge price has been paid for people to be free. Soldiers have died. Risks have been taken. Permanent physical and emotional losses have been borne. Frankly, you and I have a part to play to stay free.
This is Part 3 in a short series – Be Free!
Quick Review
First, a review of check points from Part 2. We determined check points help in every area of life.
- Career.
- Relationships.
- Personal responsibilities.
- Medical health plan.
- Use of technology.
Next, we discovered freedom has check points, too. Spiritual freedom is unique.
- It comes from unseen dimensions.
- Additionally, freedom in Christ is secured by Christ.
- Plus, it helps you live effectively every day.
At this point, we looked at a critical verse about freedom –
“It is for freedom Christ has set [you] free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Gal. 5:1)
Logically, there are two focuses of action in this verse.
- God has done something for you. Remarkably, Jesus bought freedom for you. Undeserved. A gift of love. A sacrifice that cannot be repaid.
- You must keep doing something for yourself. Basically, stand firm! Don’t let yourself get entangled in issues again that put you back into a “yoke” of slavery. Essentially, slavery is a burden you were never created to bear.
In other words, Jesus paid dearly to buy your freedom. Subsequently, you bear responsibility to stay free.
Check Points
By further review, we explored check points to stay free.
- Know your enemy.
- Be present in the moment, and be accurate.
- Fully surrender to Christ in daily details.
- Always be flexible.
Consequently, since so much effort has gone into securing your freedom, you must do whatever it takes to stay free. Don’t you agree?
Bound Up Again
So, how do you stay free – spiritually? First, let’s look at something that interferes with the ability to stay free. Getting bound up again.
We already mentioned Gal. 5:1. “It is for freedom that Christ has set you free . . . ” That’s the promise Jesus offers into freedom. However, it’s easy to get bound up again in old patterns and habits.
Incidentally, the second part of Gal. 5:1 gives a clear directive to help you stay free – “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” This is your portion to stay free.
Whether you are a new Christian, a seasoned believer, or a leader in Christ’s church, it’s so easy to get bound up again.
One reason this happens is because of fear and pride. Those two are spiritual terrorists. Incidentally, they specialize in ambush!
Fear
God addresses fear head-on. And if you stay in Christ, you can defeat fear head-on, too. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Is. 41:10)
I love how this one verse has commands and several promises.
Commands
- Don’t fear.
- Don’t be dismayed.
Promises
- I am with you.
- I will strengthen you.
- Plus, I’ll help you.
- Further, I will uphold you with My right hand.
So, obey the commands and claim the promises.
Pride
God strongly addresses pride. Frankly, the kind of pride God hates is more like arrogance.
Interestingly, Prov. 8:13 talks about good pride and bad pride – all in one verse. “To fear the Lord (a very good pride) is to hate evil. I hate pride and arrogance (the bad kind), evil behavior, and perverse speech.”
Interestingly, this verse helps you stay free. If you obey it.
Stay In Freedom
Now that we’ve explored how to not get bound up again (stay away from fear and pride), let’s explore three ideas.
1. Christ’s Love
Incidentally, you have to stay in Christ’s love. It’s a choice you make. When you know you are safe and loved, you automatically relax. Peace rises in your heart. Plus, you enjoy freedom in such a good place.
There is no safer place than Jesus’ love.
Of course, it’s up to you to stay free. So, stay in Christ’s love.
2. Humble And Alert
Actually, another way to stay free is to choose humility and alertness – and practice them each day.
The person who is humble enough to learn – also tends to work hard. Interestingly, when you work for something, its value seems to increase in your view.
Naturally, it takes humility to get in the learner’s seat. And learners always discover new understanding. Plus, humility also helps you stay free. How? Well, you’re not caught up having to “prove something” to others.
Alertness is another quality to help you stay free. When you are alert to what’s going on inside you, around you, and in the world – you have an awareness of freedom you’re willing to invest in.
Subsequently, being humble and alert help you stay free.
3. Power Of Scripture
Remarkably, the power of Scripture is paramount to stay free. When you claim God’s promises and keep His commands, the enemy can’t touch you. You’re free, indeed! So, fill your mind with God’s Word and give it priority in your heart.
Heb. 4:12 says, “For the Word of God is Alive and Active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
That Scripture speaks to –
- How vibrant – Alive and Active – God’s Word is.
- Scripture has power to cut through fluff and establish your heart.
- The insight and accuracy of Scripture carves through opinions and perspectives.
- How practical God’s Word is in daily living.
- Incredibly, Scripture has ability to literally judge your thoughts and attitudes.
- All of these – hidden in your soul where Christ abides.
If you actively apply Scripture’s power in your life, you will stay free.
Things “To Do” And “Not To Do“
Since you are the only one who can live your life, you are responsible for what you do and don’t do. Much personal freedom depends on choices.
- Afterall, you choose habits and patterns (healthy or unhealthy).
- You decide the kind of communication and relationships you form.
- Whether you are open-minded or closed determines how you see the world.
- You decide if you will hunger and thirst for righteousness.
- Finally, it’s you – and only you – that can love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
As you consider what things to do and not to do, here are some helpful tips to guide you.
Helpful Tips:
First, don’t let yourself think, “I’ve got this.” You don’t. You never did. But Jesus – He’s got this. And He’s got you. Remember, God uses His control to protect your freedom.- Second, practice closeness with God. “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” (Jas. 4:8) Enjoy God all day. Wake up to Him. Fall asleep in Him. When you stay close to God, He helps you stay free.
- Next, review God’s commands and promises often in your mind. Meditate each day (picture practical application of Scripture). God’s Word establishes you to stay free.
- Also, stay alert. Every situation is an opportunity for good (or evil). Deliberately choose good. Overcome evil with good. (Rom. 12:21) This is your power to spread freedom.
- Of course, be thankful. Practice cheer no matter how you feel. It’s a choice, not a feeling. Oddly, it’s harder to sin when you’re thankful. Be grateful for your freedom.
- Wake-Up-Call: others are watching. So, why not provide a good model for them? Use your personal power well. Stay free the way Jesus is free.
- Game Changer: Your choices matter a great deal. What you do each moment determines the kind of person you’ll be. What you practice is what you become. Do you practice freedom?
- Finally, by faith, live in the safe place Jesus purchased for you at His cross. This is a really good place. Be faithful to stay free.
Application Thoughts And Questions
Do you stay free each day?- What kinds of things get you bound up again?
- How much power does fear have in your heart? How about pride?
- In what ways do you practice staying in Christ’s love?
- List specific action points you can practice to grow in humility and alertness.
- Which Scriptures are you claiming to stay free? List them now. If you don’t have any Scripture to stay free, find some.
This is the third article in a short series – Be Free! Check out the previous two.
- Freedom With Perspective (Part 1)
- Check Points To Freedom (Part 2)
* Portions of this content come from my book – More e-Pistles For An i-Generation Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through all Paul’s letters that follow 1 and 2 Corinthians. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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