Don't Be Fearful ... Be Free!
“It is for freedom that Christ has set you free!” (Galatians 5:1)
The apostle Paul was convinced that Jesus came to set people free from the bondage of religion. Religion – in this sense – refers to the constant concern about doing things rightly, and the guilt that accompanies falling short on a regular basis.
In Romans Paul wrote, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) “Falling short” is the human condition. And, the consequence/wages of that sinful condition is death – death of our souls, and eternal death.
Unaddressed sin dulls our souls and makes our spirits lifeless. However, we must be reminded again and again and again that “the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Religion tempts us to try to justify ourselves by our actions or intentions. Freedom in Christ releases us from self-justification, so we can be honest. We don’t need to dig ourselves out of our self-referenced lifestyles. We don’t have to pretend we are doing better than we are. We can simply thank God for His forgiveness and live in response to our newfound freedom. This freedom springs fresh every day; His mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:23)
Religion keeps us focused on codes, rules and principles – it makes our lives small, and can even become paralyzing. Freedom in Christ leads us to focus on what is beneficial, what God is doing around us, what helps other grow and sets them free, and what fulfills the desires God has placed deep within our souls.
Out of balance (actually demonized!) religion is concerned with control and order. It is fixated on forms but forgets the life, hope and power that God has made accessible to us in Jesus. The clamps and stamps of religion sneak into households, churches and ministries. Religion makes us afraid to make mistakes, and it judges by the appearance of things rather than by what God is actually doing. Sometimes it seems wise, but it is not the wisdom of God – These man-made “regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” (Colossians 2:23)
Don’t give into religion. You have been set free to live your life in response to Jesus today – not in response to the control of others, rules or needless regulations.
What is God doing in you and around you today?
What do you want to do in response to Him?
Have at it!
Have a joyful and free day – Jesus has paid your way.
~ Coach Tom
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