Freedom?
Lately, I’ve been pondering the reality of what it really means to be “free” at least as I understand it. I know that initially for me, my thoughts in this area were tied to being free from a list of religious rules, regs, and systems that might only hinder a deeper relationship with God and also tied to being able worship and a manner that breaks the chains loose. (Interesting that as I am writing this, I check out Mike’s blog and he is talking about how dancing in worship breaks the chains of bondage; ha). And of course, saying “I’m free” or “I’m not free” can be a bit deceiving. There are levels of freedom we reach as we draw near to the Lord and he teaches and ministers to us.
I just wonder if in all my new found freedom I might just reach down on occasion and pick up my chains so that I can drag them just for a while. The handcuffs are unlocked and off, but I walked with those chains for so long that the familiarity of them might tempt me to want to feel them in my hands from time to time. And if I’m not careful, I could find myself in need of another set of keys.
Maybe the question is not always “Am I Free?” Perhaps the better question is “Am I Free this very moment, this very day?” There’s probably a bit more weight associated with that question. I believe we can all say we are free in one way or another, but am I continuing to walk in the freedom God has given me and do I want more? Have I reached a point where I am satisfied and this is as far as I wish to go? The thing that makes me nervous here is that if I’m not looking forward, I might find myself looking over my shoulder trying to see what those chains once looked like. Yuck!
Some things I should think about: If my happiness and fulfillment are tied to me getting what I want, I might not be totally free. If I keep going around the same mountain in the same way and expecting different results, I might not be totally free. If I blame my problems on any person or group of people and not on life, the enemy, or my cooperation with the enemy, I might not be totally free. If my value and emotional stability still hangs on the words and actions of others, I might not be totally free. If in my thinking and speech, the words I, me, mine, my, I’m, pop up quite a bit, I’m certain I need more freedom in my life.
Well, I’d better not get out the face paint and sword just yet. There’s work to be done!
Paul
