Freedom: outrageous, extravagant, radical, ours
by Jane Mueller
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‘Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom’ (2 Corinthians 3:17).
What controls you? Is it the demands or expectations of others? Is it the desire to be respected or admired? Is it the fear of being judged by your words, actions or appearance? Is it the compulsion to have the latest gadgets and accessories? Is it the obligation to return every phone call and reply to every text message, email or notification? Is it the need to be seen engaging in religious practices?
We cannot serve multiple masters. It is not possible to live under the control of others, while also living in authentic communion with God. When we let others’ expectations – or our perception of their expectations – drive us, we abandon our genuineness, and we abuse the freedom gifted to us through God’s ultimate sacrifice.
Jesus died to set us free. This includes freedom from a preoccupation with the demands and expectations of others. In God’s presence, these demands and expectations – real or perceived – fade into insignificance. After all, there is no condemnation for those who live in Christ.
When we thank God for the circumstances that seem to sap our emotional energy, God’s power and presence are revealed, giving us perspective, peace, joy and freedom. The freedom we receive in and through Christ is outrageous. It’s extravagant, it’s radical – and it’s ours.
‘On the eve of the cross, Jesus made his decision. He would rather go to hell for you than go to heaven without you’ (Max Lucado).
God went to immeasurable lengths to secure this freedom for us. Let’s not squander it.
Jesus Christ, you have set us free, and we are free indeed. Speak to us, and let us hear your voice of freedom louder than the many voices of the enemy. Amen.
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