Freedom in Christ: What Does It Mean?

 

(c) Deborah Evans

On this Veteran's Day weekend in the U.S., many of us are remembering those who "fought for freedom." Most of us would say veterans fought for those at home and elsewhere to have the option of making and carrying out choices, choosing new and better paths, naming and acting upon their own priorities, etc. These options are a big part of what most of us call freedom.

What does it mean to "be free in Christ"?

Freedom in Christ is made of at least two things: preferences and power

The person who is free in Christ choses and prefers what Christ wants for them: purpose. joy, humility, true and godly love, compassion, disciplined power, peace, and honest relationships..

Freedom in Christ includes the power to create, experience, and maintain these things in our lives.

As we become more free in Christ, we may experience fewer dire emergencies and life extremes on a daily basis. This is true because we create the foundations that allow us to experience ups and downs without feeling overwhelmed on a daily or regular basis.

Freedom in Christ means we are more committed to what Jesus wants for us than we are committed to getting what we want, or think we want, for ourselves. In fact, as our freedom in Christ grows, there are fewer and fewer differences between what he wants for us and what we want for ourselves.

Freedom in Christ tints and focuses the lenses of our lives. We become more and more aware we can't have a good life apart from him. Because we know he goes with us everywhere and in every way, we are less fearful of trying new paths, less fearful of learning new lessons, and more comfortable committing to his guidance.

Freedom in Christ means we aren't managed by fear. We aren't overwhelmed by peer pressure. We aren't intimidated by the unknown. We aren't trapped by the past mistakes and current regrets.

Our freedom in Christ doesn't offer us the option of doing whatever we want. Freedom in Christ offers the ability to be our highest and best selves, the persons we were created and redeemed (bought back from from being ruled by failure and sin) to be. It's the freedom and power to see God, to know God, to obey God, to love God, to be protected by God, and to live always aware of God's presence with us and in us.

Are you experiencing the freedom of Christ?

Galatians 5:1 - "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery."