In July, many of us will celebrate the 250 years of freedom that we have experienced as citizens of the United States of America. I am thankful to the Lord for providing us with this freedom and for the many people who gave their lives to protect the freedoms that we enjoy today. Reflecting on my own forty-five years of freedom as a U.S. citizen has created a pause within me as I have wrestled with the question, “How have I stewarded my freedom?” This question has led me to ask an even greater question, “How have I stewarded my freedom as a Christ-follower?” 

 

As a Christ-follower, I have been freed from the bondage of sin (John 8:31-36). I am no longer a slave to sin, as I have been freed to become a slave to righteousness (Romans 6:18-23). In Christ, I have been freed from the condemnation that I deserve because of my sin and I have been given the certain hope of eternal salvation because of the finished work of my Savior. While the freedoms I enjoy as a U.S. citizen may eventually fade away (though I hope not), my promised freedom in Christ comes with a forever guarantee (Romans 8:18-39)

 

Again, how have I stewarded my freedom as a Christ-follower? My Savior calls me to steward this gift of freedom by remaining obedient to Him (Matthew 11:29-30) as I pursue becoming more like Him (Galatians 5). My Savior calls me to use my freedom to advance the Gospel message that freed me from slavery (Matthew 28:18-20) and to use my freedom for the sake of others around me (Galatians 5:13-15). My answer to how well I have stewarded this freedom: I have not stewarded this freedom well enough.

 

How would you answer this same question? Please join me this month in asking the Lord to grow us to become better stewards of the freedoms He has blessed us with in Jesus Christ.

 

Thank you for your continued prayers and support of East Tennessee Biblical Counseling.