June 6/7

Written by Bill Grandi on June 6th, 2019

My title for this devotion is Selfish Freedom vs Aware Freedom.

One of the issues many Christ-followers struggle with is the area of freedom. How much is too much? What can I do as a Christ-follower? Can I do this or that? How far can I go? Personally, I think those are the wrong questions, but I’ll get to that in a minute.

The Scriptures in question are Galatians 5:13- “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” The other is found in I Cor. 8, the discussion of meat offered to idols.

The issue of freedom has plagued Christ-followers ever since the church was established, hence the I Cor.8 passage. How free can I be? How far can I go? In our culture, it comes out in questions like: Is it okay to swear/cuss? Is it okay to drink a beer or two or wine with my buds? Is it okay to wear or not wear certain clothing? Is it okay not to go to church? I’m sure you can think of more.

Freedom is a “testy” thing. In the hands of some people freedom is bad. Criminals. Dishonest people. “Players.” But what about the one who follows Jesus? Same thing. It can be a testy thing.

Here’s the rub (as I see it). Freedom is a good thing. But to ask how far I can go; how much can I get away with; how close can I get without messing up are not the questions to ask. They are selfish questions. I should not be asking selfish questions but ones that are focused on God’s point of view. I think the question to ask is this: How can I best honor Him? Will the choice I make honor and glorify Him? If not, the answer is clear. I like what someone said:

Freedom doesn’t give us the right to do what we please, but to do what pleases God.

“Father, may my freedom never bring disrepute on Your Name. Help me to remember my freedom should never compromise who You are and the honor that goes with it.”

 

4 Comments so far ↓

  1. Wonderful message here today, Bill. Our true freedom does come in pleasing God and serving Him.
    Blessings!

  2. floyd says:

    That question leaves very little grey area. It’s black and white usually. Thanks for the reminder… even if it is a tough question!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      I had to ask myself that tough question often lately…more than I would like to admit.