As part of his testimony, a friend of mine says that prior to being saved he was talking to a friend of his who was a Christian serving time in a state prison for crimes committed prior to giving His life to Christ. My friend says, “This guy was in jail and free while I was outside and in bondage.”
My friend’s testimony teaches me that our physical reality often has little to do with our freedom, and it reminds me of Paul’s testimony from prison on multiple occasions.
As I reflect on my own life, I can recall many times of chains. Probably the time I longed the most for freedom was in my battle with chronic depression. At my lowest, the hope of freedom literally kept me alive. As I now live free of those chains, I find myself ever thankful that depression no longer defines me.
Many people still live in spiritual chains. They don’t know freedom, and many don’t even believe freedom is possible.
As Christians, we exist as living testimonies of the freedom Christ bought for us with His blood. Our response can only be sharing that path to freedom with others by living lives exemplifying that freedom.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.” (John 8:36)
“So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful kindness rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:21)
“So Christ really 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)
Mark Allman
We are free indeed!!
Kari Scare
Amen!
Coach_Mike
Freedom is never to be taken for granted but at the same time is available to all who trust the source of our freedom. It is something we cannot gain for ourselves but is freely given by the one who paid the price for my our freedom. Only those truly free know what true freedom is! Thank you Lord Jesus for Kari's message to remind us where our freedom comes from.
Kari Scare
Our focus determines our reality! The only REAL way to be free is through Christ. Others are false freedom
Coach_Mike
Amen. I am doing a study of Galatians and that is the argument of Paul to those who wish to make the truth more than what Christ said it is…Accepting the Truth from and Freedom in Christ intertwine as the cords of Faith that define us. God bless.
Kari Scare
Been reading a lot of Paul’s writings lately, and he definitely made the point of not adding to the gospel and about what freedom in & through Christ really means.
cycleguy
His statement at the beginning is so good: "This guy was in jail and free while I was outside and in bondage.” Goes to show physical freedom is not what counts. Good post Kari. Thanks also for your honesty.
tnealtarver
I agree. The statement is one worth remembering and sharing. I'm glad Kari did both.
Kari Scare
You'd love this guy! He's a terrific inspiration to me and constantly challenges me to be real and honest. A good friend for sure!
rickd3352013
I can relate *so* easily to this, on so many levels. Yes, I believe I am living a life that is free, indeed, today. I also suffered from chronic depression – the docs said it was endogenous, but here I am today living free of anti-depressants. Great post – hope you're still enjoying vacation, Kari 🙂
Kari Scare
Vacation was… awesome! Hiking, family time, nature, rafting… did not want to come home. I am also free of anti-depressants and can say with confidence that depression no longer defines me. A section of a book I am writing will talk more about depression in my life. First, it's scary to say I'm writing a book, admitting it out loud. Second, it's scary to revisit that part of my life, but I feel it's important to do so because there are so many lessons that God has for others going through similar struggles.
rickd3352013
I've begun the process of writing a book as well, courtesy of Floyd's prompting. and the insanity will be a part – but the story is so much bigger than depression, or any of the other garbage I'll have to walk through again in the telling of the tale, because of who I met (I'd give you three guesses, but if it took you that many I'd be in shock).
Kari Scare
Sounds like a story worth writing and reading. Are you just starting the process? I am, and finding a system that works for me has been a bit illusive.
rickd3352013
I am just starting – I've been working on the "hook" sentence/question, and have completed a rough outline. Once we're satisfied with that, I'll start work proper – but I've been blogging at a rate that tells me I can sustain the output 🙂
Kari Scare
We sound about in the same place. I have an outline and am now going to focus in on just one section. Still.eaiting for the connecting threads to become clear though.
danonleadership
I've been learning I have issues that stem from not having a father growing up. Which I've been really thinking about since starting Father Fiction by Donald Miller. I have to guard myself from some of my past wounds and bad habits. This was a refreshing post to read.
Kari Scare
My pastor and I were talking one day about 5 years ago, and I told him that I didn’t really have any “bad” childhood memories of my father, just not many memories at all. My pastor then said something that changed my life and started a true healing journey for me in this area. He said, “I want you to consider how your father not being around impacted you.” Whoa! Once I did that, I started dealing with many issues that eventually led to really giving that part of my life to God and letting Him truly be my Abba Father. Life changing. I pray that you are well on your way in that journey too!
TC Avey
Great post.
True freedom has little to do with our environment and more to do with our spiritual lives. I've seen some of the poorest people have happiness and contentment that a millionaire would envy.
Only God has provided me with true and lasting joy and contentment. He has set me free. Though sometimes I forget that and begin worrying about silly things. I'm so thankful for His never ending grace!
Kari Scare
We can get distracted quite easily. I too am thankful for his unending grace & mercy.
Loren Pinilis
It's amazing how often we willingly subject ourselves to bondage. I know I have to constantly fight to remind myself of my freedom. My own inner desires battle against me.
Kari Scare
Me too, Loren. I have to do the same thing.