Freedom

We have been hearing a lot these past few years about freedom. Many people are fearful that there is an attempt to take away freedom. Today’s passage is 2 Corinthians 3:17: “Now, the ‘Lord’ I’m referring to is the Holy Spirit, and wherever He is Lord, there is freedom” (TPT). 

This passage discusses the Holy Spirit, and how He offers us freedom from guilt and fear. When you know His truth, you are set free and you are free indeed (John 8:32, 36). When you accept Jesus, your sin debt has been paid. You are free! The law kills for the wages of sin are death, but the Spirit gives life (John 6:63, Romans 6:23, 2 Corinthians 3:6). What does all of this mean? Simply put, if you believe in Jesus, you have freedom. It is all because of what Jesus did. The Holy Spirit testifies that you are a child of God and that you are free (Romans 8:16). You are free from sin, free from death — you are free!

Let us remember what Peter says in 1 Peter 2:16 – “Live as people who are free.” This is important. Once we receive the freedom that God offers us, we need to continually live it out. Embrace the freedom. Now this doesn’t mean we aren’t serving though. This verse in 1 Peter ends with “living as servants of God.” So yes, freedom, but freedom doesn’t erase the importance of serving and serving others does not take away freedom. In fact, it is being very intentional with your choices. You can still be free and serve others. You can still be free and love others. There is no sacrificing one for the other. You might have to make some choices in life that seem sacrificial and an attack on your freedom, and yet, you make the choices. Free will. Freedom to choose. This reminds me of another we know who freely chose to lay down His life for us. Now that is freedom on display. Loving fully. Loving intentionally. Serving. All for the glory of God! Today, may you remember that wherever the Spirit is, there is freedom. Take steps to be in step with the Spirit. Allow Him to move freely and you’ll see what true freedom is all about by simply taking that step back.

Thank you Jesus for offering us true freedom. Help us to never neglect our freedom. Encourage us to live out this freedom through the Holy Spirit. Lord, help us to step aside. Have Your way in me today. May all that I do and say bring You honor and glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!