Freedom is a concept I spent a lot of time contemplating last week since it was the time of year our country celebrates its independence. Thank you to the many who served to make that freedom possible. Another freedom came to mind as firecrackers popped and festivities took place; that is the freedom we enjoy because of our precious Savior's sacrifice that was made centuries ago.
Galatians chapter 5 talks about our freedom we have in Christ. We are free from the yoke and bondage of sin, but are we free to do whatever we please? No. Freedom is not a license to do whatever comes to mind, but the power to abstain from those things that would enslave us.
The way for the Christian to live most effectively can be demonstrated by thinking about trains, bumper cars and kites.
Trains can go anywhere they want as long as they stay on the rails; bumper cars can bump with passion as long as they are connected to the power grid by the long pole sticking up from the back of the car; kites can fly with grace and elegance as long as they are tethered by a string which is controlled by the kite operator.
Similarly, as long as the believer is connected and moves within the parameters of God's will, he/she is free to move about, bump, and fly with passion! Only when we operate within the gracious will of God (not in our own self-righteousness, which is legalism, nor irresponsible freedom, which is license) are we able to be who God intends, and fulfill our brilliant purpose.
