Happy Fourth of July, former procrastinators! What a privilege to be free people – in this country and even more, in Christ who purchased our ultimate freedom!
Freedom enables us to make decisions, take action, enjoy benefits. Freedom gives us the advantages of movement, intellectual challenge, pursuit of goals, worship. It gives us responsibilities that can result in the advantages we have.
This Fourth of July, I think about what it means to be free as a citizen of our country and free in Christ – especially as a former procrastinator who wants no more bondage to that harmful habit. I’m thinking F R E E: Faithful, Repentant, Energized, Enjoying.
F – Faithful. This is being diligent, not perfect. Do what needs doing when it needs doing. Whether it’s researching a current event or calling our congressmen, when we do what needs doing when it needs doing, we help maintain the privileges we have here. We don’t leave the job to others, assuming we’ll always have good policies needed for a healthy society. Leaving procrastination, we exercise the abilities God gives us and the dominion He intends. We do the works He has for us to do. Our abilities and any fruit always come from Him. Abiding in Him, we cooperate with His prompting instead of resisting through delay.
R – Repentant. This means we’re gospel-focused, gospel-fueled. As citizens in this country, we repent of ungodly decisions made and repent of inaction during decision-making processes. We commit to speaking up for truth as revealed in scripture and commit to appropriate action. Walking out of procrastination, We stay alert for what is the next best thing to do and learn to do it, even if it does not appeal. We turn from a default position of delay to doing what needs doing when it needs doing.
E – Energized. This is the power of the Holy Spirit who fills us. We cannot depend on ourselves. He reveals where to give attention and effort as citizens of this country. We need His strength to take action and continue it over time. The Holy Spirit helps us as former procrastinators to discern the next best thing to do and gives His strength to act rather than delay. He gives us His spark of interest plus His persistence when ours wane. When we act in spite of how we feel, He comes through.
E – Enjoying. This blessing exists because of God’s goodness. It grows as we are faithful, repentant, and energized by Him. We can take advantage of the rights and freedoms we have in this country. Use them to keep them. Moving out of procrastination, we realize diligence is part of the abundant life. Less stress, more peace, Spirit-directed productivity, fun, pleasure we did not experience when we put things off. Thank you, all who’ve worked for our country’s freedoms. Thank you, Lord, for freeing us for now and eternity!
How will you be FREE this week?
thank you, Beth for such an inspirational 4th of July message! You just shared some powerful messages. For me, “acting despite how I feel” which was under “Energized” gave great encouragement. That implies a true response to the prompting of The Holy Spirit rather than deferring to that ‘other’ position that we fall into! I like the phase, “The Next Best Thing”! I could ask myself that everyday and several times a day. What is the next best thing that The Holy Spirit is prompting me towards? Then move, or surrender, or basque in His Love!
Hi, Linda! There’s an enormous freedom in not being bound to feelings that work against us. Too often I act as if I’m trapped. Jesus has opened the prison door. He has cut off the chains. With Him, I can walk free – the best thing to do next. Thank you for commenting!