freedom

Freedom.  Liberty.  Rights.  Three words that everyone holds on to as items which we are due. But do we really even understand what each word means?  Let’s just take the first word - freedom.  What does freedom mean within the context of Christianity?  Often we hear people interpret Christian freedom as: “I’m free to drink alcohol if I want to,” or “I’m free to live how I wish...as long as I don’t break the ten commandments”.  Is that a right interpretation?  1 Peter 2:16-17 helps explain what Christian freedom means: "Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor."  Freedom, in the Christian sense, equals being free of the bonds of sin.  It means being God’s servant.  What do servants do?  They follow exactly what their employer tells them.  And what does a Christian’s master (God) tell them to do?  Honor everyone.  Love the brotherhood.  Fear God.  Honor the emperor.  But, you say, this “freedom” sounds more like lots of rules and regulations - how am I to be free??  That is when you need to reassess what you think freedom actually means.  It doesn’t mean “do whatever I want” it means “not being imprisoned”.  You are no longer imprisoned in sin.  You are free.  But that means you now have a responsibility.  Freedom isn’t the absence of responsibility it means that you are now in a position (i.e. free) to meet your responsibilities.  What are you doing with your Christian freedom?  Are you honoring everyone, loving the brotherhood, fearing God, and honoring your leaders?  If not, I’d encourage each of us to really pray through 1 Peter 2:16-17 and ask that God help us to use our freedom in the ways He directs.