Yes, former procrastinators, the Fourth of July is behind us. The hamburgers are gone, the bunting put away, the fireworks silent. But what we celebrated goes on – the freedom purchased for us. We should constantly remind ourselves of that, express our appreciation, maximize the good that is ours, and seek to maintain it.
Living in freedom requires vigilance and discipline. It takes vigilance to see what needs attention in local, state, and national affairs and the discipline of sacrifice to tend to those things so that we maintain freedom. In our Christian lives, it takes vigilance to monitor ourselves and discipline to keep ourselves in the Word and prayer and the sacrifice of service. Otherwise, in the first arena, we fall into convenience or fear and lose what has been won for us. Spiritually, we live as if it’s lost.
The freedom purchased for us as a nation goes on as long as we maintain it. The freedom Christ purchased for us is settled and goes on for eternity. Here and now we can grow every day utilizing the liberty He gives us. Liberty to lay down burdens He will take. Liberty to put off habits like procrastination that weigh us down. Liberty to enjoy doing what needs doing when it needs doing. He’s given us the freedom to learn and change and grow. How blessed we are not to have to stay as we are!
Christ’s blood cleanses us so that we are forgiven of our sluggish, selfish ways. He breaks the bondage to old ways. His Holy Spirit’s power enables us to take one step after another into new life. He gives faith and discernment to do what needs doing when it needs doing.
“Stand fast then in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1.
Christ purchased our freedom. When we stand fast, we say “yes” to God.
In what area might you have slipped from vigilance and discipline into convenience or fear? How can you move back to freedom?
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