TRUE FREEDOM IN CHRIST
1 Corinthians 6:12-17
V. 17: “But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit.”
Independence Day in USA is a big deal. Most people are off work for the holiday that celebrates the nation’s independence from Great Britain in 1776. That makes USA 236 years old in 2012! And yet she’s young—compared to nations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Independence (from being under another’s rule), or freedom (to do what one wants), is a big responsibility.
For example, the founding fathers of USA designed a framework for the nation (Constitution). Their vision included a three-branched government. The elected Legislative branch, or Congress, writes laws. The Judicial branch—the Supreme Court's nine justices appointed by the president—enforce these laws as interpreted from the Constitution. The elected president manages, or directs order in the Executive branch. Freedom is a huge responsibility!
Kids can’t wait to grow up and have the freedom to do whatever they want. They often don’t understand the responsibility that comes from freedom. Being in charge of one’s life gets scary when the money runs out. Where to live, who to turn to for help, and other “what if” situations always pop up.
Freedom isn’t as cool as what it’s cracked up to be. But those who believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord, find true freedom when we follow Him. Our dynamic relationship with Jesus guides us every day. We happily embrace what it means to have true freedom in Christ, but even that’s a big responsibility.
Believers are inseparably joined with Christ when choosing what to eat, how to spend our time, and which activities to pursue. We understand that even our bodies are united with Christ (1 Corinthians 6:14-15). We’re confident that after death, we’ll be raised up to live with Him forever.
Believer’s responsibility is to maintain fit physical and spiritual bodies: healthy and hearty inside and out. Confession and repentance of sin keeps hearts pure and blameless, without shame and guilt. True freedom means living without the chains of sin (destructive behavior).
Jesus paid a dear price (death on the cross) for His brothers and sisters to live free from the shackles of sin. Instead of choosing self-serving pleasures, we’re to pursue godly living. Christians are “earthen vessels” created by God in order to bring Him glory and honor (2 Corinthians 4:7). Polluting the human body with drugs or immoral behavior is reckless—exactly what Christ died to free us from!
Take Home Nugget
Bad habits make slaves of Christians. True freedom in Christ comes when we glorify God with our whole self: mind, heart, body, and soul.
Freedom in Christ liberates us from the chains of sin.
J.D. Griffith
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