Freedom. True freedom. There is nothing like it. Now most people have this misunderstanding that freedom mean doing anything we want. However, doing anything we want brings both good, and bad, consequences. That is why a country that is truly free still has a set of laws in place. Wait. How is that freedom? Let me explain. Before Jesus came, and gave His life, as payment for our sins, we were prisoners to the law. Why? Because not one person alive, then, and even now, could keep all the law. Therefore, if we broke even one, we are guilty of all. When we call upon Jesus, and accept His free gift of eternal life, we are immediately declared "not guilty" before the Father, and the chain (bondage) of the Law is broken. We now have liberty from the Law, and sin, because of the blood of Jesus. We are free to choose life, and liberty, but we can also choose bondage. Wait. Who would choose bondage after being set free. Well, we would, and we do, each day, on two different levels. When we choose to set up a legalistic lifestyle filled with do's and don't's, we set up our jail cell. When we return to a life of sin, practicing the things we were saved from, we set up our prison house. So how do we live out, and enjoy, our liberty in Christ? Love. Stand fast in love. Love God with all that we are, and love our neighbor as ourself. When we truly love someone we avoid doing the things toward them that are hateful, and harmful. We do our best to avoid offenses, and instead do those things which are profitable, kind, and honoring to God. Even Jesus said that if we love Him, we'll keep His commandments. You see, when God commands us to do something or avoid doing the other, it is because what He commands us to do keeps us from being enslaved to the consequences of wicked actions. It keeps us from having to constantly look over our shoulders; and though it may not keep us from being persecuted by the world (because it hates God, and righteousness), it does keep us in a place of peace, joy, and contentment. That, my brothers, and sisters, is true liberty. When we choose obedience, and righteousness, voluntarily, because the love of Jesus is driving us; nothing will compare to that kind of liberty.
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