Individual liberty is very important to me. Not just the concept, but the spiritual reality for Christians as well as how we live in our country, the United States of America. One danger for believers who discover we are no longer bound by the letter of the law is the tendency toward vice (licentiousness). We may be tempted to cover up (hide) sin that should be confessed, then followed by repentance. Peter saw it, Paul recognized the danger too. 1 Peter 2:16 “Live as free, but do not use your freedom as a cloak for vice, but as servants of God”. If I may swerve to how we are handling our individual freedom in America… I think we have used our freedom for great good around the world and here at home for many years. Dostoevsky was right in saying that “freedom is self-destructive” for the un-regenerated man. With the rejection of God and rise of the self-made religion of liberalism- we no longer love, but, dare I to say it, we are altogether selfish. This will not bode well for our future, if we even have one left. When one tries to point out the evil that is underneath the cloak, those exposed turn viciously on the exposer. This is the problem with freedom apart from that which only God truly offers.
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. Galatians 5:13-15 NASB
What do I hide and inwardly claim is a freedom afforded me from God? Who can I love as my neighbor today?
God, as this day begins- I count dear both my freedom in Christ and freedom as a U.S. Citizen. Thank you for both. I pray and ask that You would heal our nation. By Your Spirit draw men and women to Yourself. Oh, we need a mighty wave of godliness followed by goodness. If we don’t, I fear our freedom will be forfeited. So, help us please!
