Wednesday, July 04, 2012

Love and Liberty

"For brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13 KJV)

Thanks to tradition and cultural training, we Americans celebrate our independence with massive displays of pride and love. We love our country. We love our freedoms.

Every year when we say our Pledge of Allegiance, sing our patriotic songs and generally enjoy community fireworks displays, I remind my friends and family that freedom is very precious. Although liberty is extended to every American, liberty doesn't give us the right to do as we please, without regard for the freedoms of other citizens.

In the hands of selfish people, freedom can be turned into something ugly, chaotic  and dangerous. But in the hands of generous people, the opposite is also true.

Liberty -- the very thing we love and celebrate -- can suddenly be turned into captivity. As believers in Christ, we are not enslaved by the law of sin and death. And the Bible teaches us that our liberty is not to be used for selfish practices and purposes.

In our world, freedom is still a delicate privilege and many countries and people groups do not enjoy it. Yet, spiritual liberty can be enjoyed by all in Christ Jesus. All followers of Christ have been liberated, but our liberty is not a personal tool for "anything goes." Instead, the liberated demonstrate their liberty and love by service to one another. Liberty is the freedom to do what God pleases. Love is the expression of pleasing God

Dear Father, thank you for the liberty we enjoy in Christ. Empower us with the love and respect that liberty commands and enable us to serve one another freely. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today in your love and liberty,

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