LIBERTY CHECK
Galatians 5:1-6, 16-21
Vv.1,6b: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
Galatians 5:1-6, 16-21
Vv.1,6b: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
Cassie and Missy, Girl Scout Juniors, went camping with their troop before entering sixth grade. One August weekend, the girls graduated from Juniors to Cadettes. Missy bandaged Cassie’s knee, after a fall scraped her skin raw.
Her life-saving badge, sown on her sash, showed her competence. The girls cheerfully displayed their proficiency in hiking, swimming, tent pitching, and cooking. Before roasting hot dogs in an open camp fire, the girls scampered to collect rocks. The fire’s flames would be safely contained by rimming the fire pit with rocks.
The ceremony traditionally began and ended with singing songs, bringing tears to many campers’ eyes. “I’m so glad to be part of this troop!” Cassie announced, sniffing.
Ms Marshall, the leader, replaced each girl’s green Junior beret with a Cadette brown. As their smiles sparkled in the fire’s blaze, the girls admired each other’s new look.
Just as their leader’s vigilance--and rock-rimmed pit, prevented the campfire from starting a forest fire—the new Cadettes’ excitement needed songs’ calm before falling asleep. Prudent living requires conscious attention to details (PROOD-nt means sensible, cautious, wise).
As God’s children, we are free from sin’s curse, penalty, and guilt. In Jesus, these are replaced with peace, forgiveness, and liberty. No one has greater liberty than the person who is free in the soul’s depths, made complete with a peace-filled heart.
But here’s where believers often mess up: many relish these luxuries by living selfishly, and end up self-indulgent. Others claim ownership to that which is merely entrusted to their care—and fail godly stewardship. As custodians of Earth, for example, have we responsibly tended to and protected our planet from destruction?
The proper use of liberty is “faith working through love” in service to others. By relying on God’s Spirit, we apply our energy to loving and helping others. (Sound like the Girl Scouts?) We strive to build up others instead of tearing them down, because the sinful nature is restrained.
God’s check-valve for believers’ liberty is the conscience, where the Holy Spirit leads. He WILL convict us of wrong!
Take Home Nugget
Just like a raging fire, liberty without check is perilous. Potentially fatal. But checked liberty is a freedom that blesses all.
Honest freedom doesn’t give us the right to live how we please, but to live according to what pleases God.
J.D. Griffith
Christ came to give us liberty
By dying in our place;
Now with new freedom we are bound
To share His love and grace.
D. De Haan
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A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
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