So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36, ESV
“The true value of a human being is determined primarily by the measure and the sense in which he has attained liberation from the self.” Einstein
The questions of our times: Do we look within and decide for ourselves who we are? Or do we look outside ourselves and rise to become more than we are?
The first question leads people to what they believe is freedom, but their lives become a new kind of bondage. The second leads to a life we could not have imagined on our own, yet a life that may at times be more challenging.
Do you decide or let God decide?
“There are two freedoms – the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought.” Charles Kingsley
Many choose the false way. The true way is harder, at first. It is harder to do what we ought to do, but the reward comes later.
Having made the right choices makes life better.
We see the results of people choosing their own way, lives broken by irrevocable choices. You can’t restore the marred bodies of children and babies, of men and women.
Suicide and drug overdose deaths are at all-time highs.
In choosing the harder way, we can show others the better way.
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 ESV
True worship makes life better and helps us find freedom from ourselves, freedom in Christ.
Joe Carter writes for the Gospel Coalition: “Frequent churchgoers aren’t merely benefiting from a useful delusion or a sense of community. They are finding the relief—the psychological and spiritual relief—that comes from aligning oneself with the true and ultimate reality. What we find in frequent worship services is helping us fulfill the purpose of life, what we could call biblical happiness: to glorify God and enjoy him forever. “
Even so, choosing the harder way means more than loving those like ourselves.
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:44-45, ESV
Choose true freedom. Walk in the harder way. Show that way to others.
Reap the joy of living out truth.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Our new website milicomathersreads.com is accepting reviews for middle reader books–especially those written by middle school students. Message me at readgoodbooks@milicomathersreads.com or in the comments below.
