June, June, June... Where did you go? Like ice at the Mud Hen's game last night, time is vanishing right before our eyes. So, in an effort to give you more time in your day, allow me to jump right into the meat this week.
Despite Jesus saying He came to set us free, there are undoubtedly times in our walks when we feel far more shackled and burdened than free. Paul said in Romans 8:1 & 2 " Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."
Christianity is supposed to be a joyous experience, just as Ryan discussed in Sunday's lesson; one that fills our hearts to the point of overflowing. So why are there so many of us who are constantly down? Always acting as if the weight of the world is on our shoulders and behaving as if we have to adhere to some long list of rules? (Usually a list we create on our own) Have we forgotten Christ came to end them? Didn't He come to destroy that old law, the one that functioned on rules, because of the futility and warped minds it created? God knew a covenant of freedom and heart was much more effective and beneficial. Read what Paul says about this in Colossians.
COLOSSIANS 2:13-23 - NIV
Did you catch all that? Isn't that level of freedom amazing? If you realize the true freedom we have in Christ, joy is but one of the many positive side effects that will constantly be found in your life. He came to restore life to the way it started, where we lived in a world hand crafted for us and one where we get to enjoy every aspect of it because God created it all pure and "good." Nothing is off limits and nothing is inherently evil. Peter and Paul both warn about using that freedom for sin, (Gal 5, 1 Peter 2) so we can't just go all willy-nilly and follow every one of our heart's desires. It is deceitful and selfish at times. But we cannot forget that we do have total freedom in our walks with God. There are no checklists, no rules, no dos and don'ts, and no man-made restrictions. It's simply about our hearts.
Take some time to meditate and think through the magnitude of that freedom. Then enjoy life. Enjoy God's gifts. Enjoy being a Christian.
Brett "Does anyone else here the word 'Freedom' and always think of Mel Gibson in Braveheart?" Hibbler
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