FREE FOR A REASON

The Upward Look, by Jon Forrest
Free for a Reason

There is tremendous confusion in our world about the nature of freedom. Many folks think that true freedom means that one can do anything he/she wants as long as it does not impair the rights or freedom of someone else. The idea is that one is completely unattached from responsibility. However, such freedom is the kind that leaves one unfulfilled and will not result in true happiness. It may seem to make them happy until it works out to an end that leaves no accomplishment in life.

If you pick up an unattached violin string you will find that, in a sense, it is free. You can twist one end of it and it responds. It is free. But it is not free to do what a violin string is supposed to do--produce music. If you fix it in a violin and tighten it until it is taut. Only then is it free to be a violin string.

In a similar way, a person is free when his life is uncommitted, but not to be what he/she is intended to be. Real freedom is not freedom "from," but freedom "for." God’s intention was that all mankind be free, but not from responsibility, but for God’s glory in our lives.

Paul writes in Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

God loves us and he desires intensely that we find his purpose for our lives in His Word. When we apply that purpose to lift Christ up in our lives, we will find the joy and contentment to find out what it means to be free in Christ. Jesus said in John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

He has set you free to be what He intended you to be, His man, woman, boy or girl. Are you free for a reason? Go for it!