"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31, 32)
It seems everywhere we look nowadays we see people and hear them talk about losing their freedoms. Here in America that has been the rally cry around the flag ever since we were founded. Our freedom was hard won on the field of battle and it has been defended daily by those who commit their lives in service to our country. Now the cry is rising again because of foreign influence from within our great nation.
While nationalistic pride is a thing to cling to, Jesus was speaking of a much deeper freedom - for all people, of all lands, in all times. Christianity has also been upheld and defended by millions around the world who have devoted their lives to its service. Perhaps the military references throughout scripture (especially in the writings of Paul in the New Testament) should be given more weight in our sermons than they are. He writes that we should be good soldiers, listening to the guidance of our Commander, seeking to please only Him. We are to take our orders only from Him. Not from our friends, not from our family, not from our spouses, not even from well-meaning preachers. We are to listen for His direct commands and follow only Him. He promises to guide us into all freedom and blessing.
This does not clear us from attending a local church or submitting to our pastor. We are to be under his or her leadership and submit to their teaching and counsel. If, for whatever reason, you don't feel that pastor is lining up with what God is speaking to you - by all means, place yourself under a minister whose vision and leadership aligns with yours. The pastor is the undershepherd of the flock and gets his or her direction from the Holy Spirit of God (or they should!). That pastor is held to a high standard of judgment (yes, judgment!) by God alone for anything he or she teaches from the pulpit or directs his or her members to do. That's why it is so important to pray for them.
But in following Christ and His Word, you and I have the promise of complete freedom. Freedom from sin, freedom from sickness, freedom from every burden our enemy would attempt to place upon us. While we may still have to walk through the fire, it will not burn us. We may have to pass through the waters, but they will not overtake us. We very well might, like Paul and Silas, one day find ourselves in prison for our Christian beliefs - but God promises to be there with us through it all. And in Him is freedom.
Today if you are struggling with doubts, fears, guilt, condemnation, or any other weight or hindrance that would keep you from following Christ as you should, I plead with you to press in to Him. Let Him break those yokes of bondage off you and set you free. That is one of the greatest joys of being a son or daughter of God. Through Christ we have access to the power of the Holy Spirit and to the very throne room of God - where we can lay out our petitions before Him. Don't struggle another day, don't carry that burden any further. Today is your day of liberation. Be free in Jesus' Name.
Be blessed.
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