Freedom

Freedom. Either you have it or you don’t. The very fact that I am able to write this column is a tribute to our country’s freedoms. So many men and women died for me to have just such an opportunity. It reminds me that someone else died for my freedom.

Yes, I believe Jesus died for my sins so that I might have eternal life. But he also came so that I could have life more abundantly. The abundant part is what I struggle with sometimes. Insecurities stop me from realizing I am free to be me. They keep me from stepping out to be the one God made me to be. Perfectionism prevents me from feeling free to make mistakes. Pride robs me of the ability to be free to grow and change and learn. All of these things act as little terrorists threatening my homeland security.

Add to that the hurts and the unfairness of life. There’s always that temptation to point fingers as opposed to trusting God to handle it. Perhaps the biggest freedom robber is unforgiveness. Just as our country’s adversaries have their own weapons and forms of attack, the enemy of my soul has his own set of destructive arsenal. I believe one of his favorite tactics is lies.

Sometimes the lie I hear is “I have a right to feel this way”. Then why do I feel like a slave? Obviously, it seems that having rights is not equal to experiencing freedom. One of the beauties of freedom is the presence of choices. I have a choice to let go of my “rights” and take hold of my inheritance. Christ already bought my freedom. I just simply have to receive what he offers.

I can’t think of a better life than one that is free. Although there are days that I must declare war, it is the victories that I will celebrate. I will remember the battles fought and won. I will not forget the price for my freedom. I will honor the one that paid that price. I will live a life that is abundant and free!