Freedom
God is totally free.
And wants us to be. (Luke 4:18)
Full Freedom
- Inner vs. Outer. Modern culture values outer (civil) freedom, yet sometimes neglects inner (spiritual) freedom. (Chuck Colson notes that the more 'inner' cops society has, the less 'outer' cops it needs.) That is, one can be free on the outside, but not on the inside. Christ encourages both, prioritizing the inner.
- From vs. For. Freedom's true essence is not just from evil, but for good. (Gal 5:13). Ironically, lovers seek the freedom to be bound—to the beloved.
- The Paradox. We are only free when we submit to authority. A football player is only free to score if he submits to the rules. The game of Love is the same.
The Playing Field
Jesus desires to release us from "rules-only" religion. (Mark 2:27). That is, the hashmarks on the football field serve the players' victory, not vice versa. Likewise, commandments are lines to the goal of love.
[When we place laws above the Lawgiver it's called legalism; e.g, the letter of the law over the Spirit of the law -- but note that even if we had perfect hashmarks (i.e, the Mosaic law), then: (1) we couldn't always stay in bounds; and (2) it doesn't fulfull us, we fulfill it.]
So, under leadership of the Coach, we play to win. See Inner Healnig Resources.
Freedom in the Spirit
You are not a prisoner—do not act as if you still are. Christ has set the captives free and you are free indeed. Do not let the devil deceive you into believing you are bound. I have given you the keys to be loosed from all your chains forged in this life.
Even in the times you appear imprisoned, I say "you are free." Like Paul and Silas, though in jail, their freedom was there all the time. And as soon as they acted on the grace apportioned them for that situation, down came the walls, and the enemy scattered. Are you any less than they as God's children?
I long to keep you free so you can take the keys of freedom to them that are still truly bound. My people are free, they are joyful, able to enjoy life as I have created it to be lived. Walk in your freedom—stand tall. If there's one thing I need for My flock, it is they be free—free to love, serve, and obey. For it is in this freedom that I can know you and see you and you can experience My life for you.