We are blessed to live in a country that allows us to worship God freely, and to share the gospel with those around us. There are places around the world where the church is forced to meet in secret. Christians are arrested simply for believing in Jesus, some even give their lives to stay true to the Gospel.
These national freedoms were not free. The cost to get and maintain them has been very high. Many have given their lives, others have given up friends and family and time to keep our nation free.
As we prepare to honor our military on Veteran’s Day, I am reminded how truly precious freedom is. Those who have been willing to put everything on the line to protect our nation and our freedoms deserve our unending gratitude, respect and heartfelt thanks.
Freedom is worth fighting for. Freedom is worth protecting. Freedom comes with a high price tag.
While I cherish my freedom, paid for by men and women who were willing to sacrifice it all, there is a freedom that I esteem even greater. That is the freedom purchased by Jesus when he gave his life for our ransom.
The work of Jesus on the cross is all about freedom:
So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. Galatians 5:1
Before we turned our lives over to God we all were hopeless and headed towards condemnation. God reached out to us when we had no interest in Him.
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:6-8
As flawed human beings we spend a lot of time trying to convince people that we are worthy of their love. Sometimes I wonder if we are really trying to convince ourselves.
Think back to the dating scene. In order to get noticed we needed to dress sharper, sing louder, stand taller, say something witty… Sometimes even putting on a persona that was not really us to earn favor. Most of us would not want to go back to those days!
At times we wonder what we need to do to get noticed by God. The reality is that he noticed us long before we noticed him. In our utterly helpless, sinful condition Jesus came looking for us.
The depth of love God displayed is beyond our comprehension. Unfortunately our failure to grasp the value that God puts on us can lead us to put on a spiritual “dating persona” in our interaction with him. It is as if we are trying to impress God to earn his attention.
There is a reason that Paul said we need to make sure to stay free. He knew our propensity to perform on cue, not only for God but for those around us as well. The accolades of our brothers and sisters as they observe our tireless service can actually become a stumbling block.
We sacrifice a bit of our freedom when we are conducting ourselves as though we are expecting a performance review from our peers. At times being unavailable would be the healthiest option spiritually, and physically.
If we consistently find ourselves with a to-do list that outpaces our time and energy we might want to rethink our approach.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
There are times that I need to ask the Lord what I am yoked to that he has not asked me to carry. Sometimes he might even have asked me “not” to carry it.
As a problem solver this is a tough one for me. As an exhausted, overwhelmed human being, it is absolutely necessary to consider. I don’t know about you, but I could really use some of that rest and light burden stuff.
As the Christmas season approaches, I urge you to be careful with your commitments. I mean how many ugly sweater parties do you really need to attend? A night at home in front of the fireplace in your cozy pj’s, with a cup of hot tea, might be just what the doctor ordered OR what God has ordained for you.
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Romans 5:2
Apples of Gold 
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