We Have Been Set Free

I was only about eleven years old when the people of Papua New Guinea became independent from Australia. I don’t know all the politics, but I was there when they gained their independence. Today, fifty years later, they are celebrating this landmark event. The country has grown tremendously. Some things are good, and some things have gotten worse. Good or bad, they gained the freedom, the right to make their own choices and govern as they so choose. Unlike the freedoms that a country receives, we have been promised freedom in Christ. A freedom that is not based on the will of man that could change with the passing of time. The believer’s freedom will not be taken... it can only be canceled if we turn away from God. Freedom from what? Freedom from the power of the law. Jesus fulfilled the laws righteous demands when He, a perfect sacrifice, died in my place... our place. Freedom from the power of sin. I’m not saying I no longer make mistakes, but my Father in heaven sees my life through the lens of the crucifixion, so my sins have been atoned for. If I continue to walk by faith, confess my sins, submit my life to Him, I am free. I am not only free from certain things, but I am also free to serve God, free to serve the Christian community, and free to reach out into the world in love to those that hate me. This is not a natural worldly longing, but in Christ, my heart has been transformed. As I think back on my time in Papua New Guinea, the freedom I had physically to ride my bike anywhere in public that I wanted is not so free now. The house in the town I lived in was 50% screen window. Those windows are now covered with metal bars for protection. God doesn’t have to fortify heaven, but we still need His leading and protection. I don’t need a key or password to enter the gates of heaven... I just need faith. Praise God that He does not change. Just as they celebrated the 50 year anniversary with song, dance, drums, etc, we are called to celebrate our freedom. That is done as we gather in God’s house, the church, and lift our voices in hymns of praise. The most important day to praise and worship God is today! Father, to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. In You I trust, O Lord... You are right here beside me everywhere that I go. Amen