Courage 2

Galatians 5:13

In the movie “Secretariat,” the character of the daughter – part of the anti-establishment movement of the 70s – asks her parents “Why do we call it freedom when it costs something?” Good question.

As we consider our military veterans at this time and the sacrifices they have made, as we consider our troops serving now on foreign soil, we may wonder why it is that we are so involved in the struggles of other nations. I believe today’s passage may be at the core of that attitude.

What does Paul say of those who believe in Jesus Christ? What warning does he give? What does he urge the believer to do?

The freedoms we enjoy in our country are the freedoms from oppression and hopelessness. We enjoy the freedom of living in a country where we are not held down by our own governing bodies. We are not victims of tyrannical rulers or ruthless military powers.

Similarly, we have freedom in our faith. Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, because of God’s mercy and grace, we are free from the burdens of sin and hopelessness. We are assured of a great eternal reward. We are released from the guilt and pain of our own wrong-doing and can live lives of joy and happiness knowing that we are loved by God. We are precious to the Almighty.

As we enjoy these freedoms, not just political freedoms but freedom of the soul and spirit, we must remember that these freedoms do not exist for our own selfish interests. Our freedoms could cause us to fall into self-indulgent and self-destructive behaviors if we let them, but we are called to a higher purpose.

Both our political freedom and our spiritual freedom are there to be shared. Both exist within us so that we might share those freedoms with others.

Just as politically our nation involves itself in the struggle of people trying to shed the yoke of oppression and hardships, we as Christians need to be involved in helping others discover the same freedom of the soul that we enjoy. We are called to share the renewing and refreshing grace and love of God with those who are trapped in a life of sin and despair.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you share the freedom of faith that you have?