Freedom in Chrisianity

It was for freedom that Christ set us free   . . . --Galatians 5:1

Christianity is the only religion that uses the term freedom. It is not surprising, in that much of religion ultimately offers its adherents nothing but a whirl around emptiness, with all teaching leading to nothing divine, a doctrine without power, and a system that will not work in the world and must be practiced in relative seclusion. If not for manipulation, intimidation, brainwashing, control, fear, guilt, and bondage, maintaining a religious system would be impossible. Jesus is not a religion; with Him we have a relationship, and relationships are most enjoyed when those involved want to be with one another. I remember a fellow telling his wife, who could not decide if she wanted to leave or not, "When I come home from work at night and see your car there, and know that you are waiting for me, I must know you are there because you want to be there." This man had given his wife freedom to leave. He did not want a relationship based on duty, guilt, compulsion, or responsibility, but on love. Love is freedom. The believer is free to walk with Christ or not; Christ does not enjoy man’s attempts to walk with Him when he really does not want to be with Him. Who would?

If you do not desire to walk with Jesus, it is only because you do not know Him or have drifted away to the point that familiarity with Him is a thing of the past. For His character is such that you should be doing everything possible to be with Him. Jesus is secure in Himself and knows what fellowship with Him brings; you, therefore, are free to partake of His riches or free to walk in the dry desert bereft of His presence. I love freedom!

“ONLY” is a strong word, is it not!  Amen.  It is vital for all to know that “Christianity is the only religion that uses the term freedom.”  It is also vital to know that “Jesus is not a religion; with Him we have a relationship…”  Oh, that more of God’s children would really desire to want to be with Jesus more than they show, for Michael points out that it is then that relationships are most enjoyed.

“Love is freedom.”  How beautiful is that equation!  “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him” 1 John 4:16 tells us.  Wow!  God and love and freedom are inextricably related by the character of God.  Now, pray tell me…why would any Christian CHOOSE to “walk in the dry desert bereft of His presence”???

Amen!  Amen!  I am free to partake of His riches!  The Lord Jesus Christ set me free to do that!  Hallelujah!  He knew what my fellowship with Him would bring.

That leaves me speechless beyond that point today…