Love Tips
The Cost of Freedom
As Americans, we have the freedom to do so many things which are off limits to people in other parts of the world.
For instance, we have freedom of speech and freedom of religion. However, while these liberties are wonderful, there are some people who enjoy their freedom to the point of endangering themselves and others. For example, while we have the freedom to speak our minds, some of the things we say can be offensive to others, hurt their reputations, or cause unnecessary conflicts. Others feel they have the freedom to use their bodies in ways that could lead to broken lives, poverty, disease, and ultimately death.
Let me ask you? How far do you think we should go with our freedom? Does living in the land of the free really make us free or are we still shackled by people, our past, or fears that hinder us from reaching our God-given potential?
It’s amazing how God’s thoughts are so greater from ours. In fact, His idea of freedom is different from others. What does He say to you about your freedom? It’s really determined based on how you answer this next question.
If you were to die tonight, do you know where you would spend eternity?
If your answer is “No” click on “Seeker.”
If your answer is “Yes” click on “Believer.”
Do you really believe you are free? Maybe your financial or social status gives you the opportunity to do whatever you want. This is great, but there is a freedom that goes beyond having material things.
It’s the freedom that God wants you to have through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Maybe you have your own thoughts about who Jesus Christ is, but He’s more than what you’ve heard. He is giving you the opportunity to experience real freedom.
How? All human beings are born into this world by a trap called sin. It defines who we are. The Bible says that there is none righteous. This means that none of us is perfect, nor could we ever measure up to God’s standards by our own goodness. This is why God sent Jesus Christ. He measured up to God’s standards when He died on the cross for our sins.
The consequence for sin was death. In other words, somebody had to die.
How does this relate to your freedom? You have the freedom to chose a relationship with Christ and live with Him for eternity, or you have the choice to reject Christ and be eternally separated from God in hell. God loves you so much that He will never force you to accept Christ, but He would sure love for you to do so. How can you escape hell and get the freedom that God is offering you?
1) You must agree with God’s Word by realizing that you are a sinner.
2) Realize that Jesus became your Substitute by dying on the cross for your sins.
Jesus did all the work when He died on the cross. In fact, He died for everyone, but everyone will not choose to have a relationship with Jesus.
You may be wondering, “With all the bad things I have done, why would Jesus want a relationship with me?”
One word: “Love.” The love of Jesus is what caused Him to die on the cross for your sins. In God’s sight you are special and you mean so much to Him. He knows you’ve been through a lot and He’s waiting for you to come to Him. He promises that He will give you rest, but you have to choose Him. It’s an individual choice. How can you make this choice?
3) You choose to be in a relationship with Jesus Christ by saving faith.
What is saving faith? This means that you have made a conscious decision to trust in the death of Christ to be the only thing that can pay for your sins, and thus give you entrance into heaven. You weren’t there 2,000 years ago when Jesus died, but you believe it.
The Bible tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life,” (John 3:16).
Know that if you accept Christ, you are a changed person, regardless of how you feel. However, while all your problems may not be solved, you would have the privilege of being a child of God, you would have the assurance of heaven, and the opportunity to enjoy freedom from the bondage of sin!
Praise God that you made the right choice to accept Christ! While this was the most important decision of your life, there are still some choices God is asking you to make. When you came to Christ, He accepted you with all your issues and paid for all your sins. You’re clean and you are a new person in Him. However, as saved as we are, we all have issues: past hurts, fears, and habits that we’re not proud of.
Sometimes we allow this baggage to hinder our walk with God and our ability to relate to and witness the Gospel to others. We’re still saved, but our refusal to let go of these issues can cause us to drag our feet rather than walk in the victory God has purposed for us.
There’s a phrase we use in the church which says, “Let go and let God.” While it sounds like a cliché, it’s true. God wants us to give Him our burdens in exchange for our peace. Understand that God loves you and wants to be intimate with you.
How can you have this intimacy with God? Just be real with Him.
Talk to God and:
1) Tell Him how you’re feeling, (hurt, angry, disappointed, or ashamed).
2) Tell Him why you feel this way.
3) Ask Him to deliver you.
4) Ask Him to heal you.
5) Seek His Word for Scriptures that can address your issues.
6) Receive God’s Word and apply it to your situation on a daily basis.
Remember, God wants you to be free, and He will be with you every step of the way as you go through the process of renewing your mind. Just trust Him and allow yourself to experience true freedom.