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Thoughts for a Woman's Heart |
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encouragement in things that matter |
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Freedom
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The concept of freedom is embraced by every American. We may debate its expression or its limitations, but we all want it. For many of our teenagers, freedom is an anticipated utopia of no rules, no boundaries, and total abandonment to individual whim. God’s Word also speaks of freedom, but strangely, it is a freedom found in submission to Another – God Himself. Jesus said to His disciples, "If you abide in My word, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." What is that truth? I believe it is that which is based on the Word of God, and reveals God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, as well as the will of the Father and the perspective of the Father. For truth to beget freedom, it must be known, it must be understood, and it must be applied to a life in a personal way. The truth we seek reveals the will of God. As we come to know and understand truth, we must submit to it – say "yes" to it, accept it, choose it to be a governing influence in my life – and then begin to apply it. God’s ultimate will for the believer is twofold – one, that I would glorify Him before a watching world, and two, which really enables me to fully and freely do the first, that I would reach the potential God has created and designed me for. Both components of accomplishing God’s will, require the freedom that truth begets. Freedom is not a goal, but a journey – a journey of pursuing that potential that God has for me, a potential that will glorify the God I have chosen to submit to. Freedom though is hindered by both our sin choices and by weights that distract from truth or totally blind us to truth. Therefore, these must be combatted with the truth we do know and understand, even as we actively seek a more personal and more in-depth knowledge and understanding. Americans want freedom so they may pursue their chosen lifestyle and live according to their chosen ethics and morality. God enables a freedom that cannot be dictated to by any government. It is a freedom of my inner person, fully alive in chosen communion with my God, free from any tyranny of self or sin, guided by truth, and wholly abandoned to the Giver of Freedom. |
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— Bev |
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