A Norvell Note for March 8, 2021
Vol. 23 No. 10
Thoughts on Freedom
Freedom is a popular topic in social media, news media, and daily conversations. We are frustrated and angered when our space is restricted or abused. We struggle to know the privileges and limits of our freedom.
New Testament letters contain messages on how to use our freedom in Christ, which may also help us live within our communities.
It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then? (Galatians 5:13-15, The Message)
Here are a few thoughts that I find helpful in Paul’s writing.
Be joyful with your freedom. Read that again: enjoy. It’s okay to enjoy your life. One of the great blessings of being a follower of Christ is that we can be set free to live free of our sins, free of our pasts, free from our guilt, and freedom to worship God as we choose. That should bring us joy. God created us with unique gifts, talents, and abilities, and He wants us to live and use those gifts and talents for His glory however we feel led to do so. He put very few limitations on how we are to use our skills, abilities, and gifts. He called us to a free life, so live and enjoy your freedom. There is no need to boast about it. Just enjoy it.
Be gracious with your freedom. Just because we are free to say whatever we want does not mean we should say it. Just because we are free to do whatever we please does not mean we ought to do it. In another letter, Paul writes: “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 9:13, 23) There is no need to put others down because they do not have the same freedom. Just be gracious.
Be generous with your freedom. When we use our privilege to serve others, it becomes contagious. When someone expresses their love for me by helping me, I desire to return the kindness or pass it on to someone else. Serving others creates a desire to keep doing good, which reminds me that I am free to be as kind I can be. There is no limit to how kind I can be or how much I can serve. There is no need to quash your freedom. Just be generous.
God’s Kingdom is about freedom, and as citizens of His Kingdom, we are to be lights in the world by being joyful, gracious, and generous with our freedom. If you pay close attention this week, you may have multiple opportunities to let that light shine.
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