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?

Invitation to Service 2

Matthew 10:7-8

Now and then we encounter some confusion about ministry. There are those who see events at the church, or events put on by the church, as opportunities to raise money. We can charge a small fee and raise some money. We can sell tickets.

While there are times when fund-raisers are helpful, not everything a church does is about bringing in money. In fact, I believe most of what we do should be about giving freely.

In Matthew 10 we have Jesus sending out the twelve disciples to be in ministry, providing them with some instructions. What is the message they should share? According to verse 8, what should their attitude be? What should they not take?

Reading this passage I am struck by the simplicity of it all. These men were starting out on something that most certainly was intimidating, something they were probably apprehensive about doing. I imagine they questioned their ability to accomplish anything.

But Jesus gives simple instructions. Their message is not complicated or difficult to understand. He gives them authority to do miraculous things, but their attitude is to be one of humility. They are not doing it for financial gain. They are to be free in their giving.

Finally, they are not to take all manner of supplies and money. He was forcing them to trust in God to provide for their needs.

We can learn about our own ministry in this passage. By taking the time and effort to help others in need, we are sharing the simple message of God’s love. We don’t need to be Bible experts, just people willing to give freely of our time and talents, whatever they are. Those who receive will know that they are loved without complex and intricate explanations and theologies.

Like the disciples, God has given to us freely; we should be free in our giving. We must learn to trust that God will provide for our needs and will equip us with what we need to serve the kingdom.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you trust God in your own ministry?