Free at Last

My brother could be called many things including a poet, an adventurer and even foolhardy. He has always felt like he was free to do whatever he wanted.  He took it to heart that he lived in the land of the free.  Unfortunately, the land was free, but my brother was often arrested for exercising his freedoms.  On one such occasion, I went to get him out of jail for reciting poetry in a shopping/tourist area.  I knew I needed a bail bondsman so I grabbed a phone book and noticed one named Free At Last.  Though I chuckled at the name, I ended up not needing help since the police released my brother in the hopes that he would stop using his freedom so publicly (in the land of the free). 

 America has always been liberal with its freedom declaration.  Although noble in its intention, this ideal of freedom has lead many into great bondage.   After all, are you truly free just because you get to say whatever you want?  Most of our free speech reflect the depth and degree of bondage Americans are in from additions and prejudices to selfishness  and greed.  Don't misunderstand, I do love the freedoms we have in our country; but true freedom cannot be found in a government, social systems or mandates.  It can only be found where the Leader can release true freedom to the people.  The Land of the Free is more accurately known as the Kingdom of God.

One of my favorites scriptures is Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage (NKJV).   The English Standard Version says it this way, " For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."  Freedom is intended for people to actually be free.  As believers, we are to walk in complete freedom.  This is not only just freedom from sin, but freedom in all areas of life.  This requires unwavering trust in God.

We are to walk in financial freedom. Being debt free is good, but it is not financial freedom.  A homeless person can be debt free.  True financial freedom is when you have all of your resources available to God at any time.  If you have $50 and the Lord asks you to give away $49, you are free if you can do it trusting that He will provide all your needs.  In the same way, you can only say you live free, when your dependence is only upon God and you wait daily for Him to lead you.  So often we schedule ministry activities, church attendance and Christian outreach around our schedules.  When you are truly abiding in the Land of the Free (aka the Kingdom of God), you are always available for what the King of the Kingdom would like you to do. Everything else is scheduled in light of the King's plans and purposes

My encouragement to you is to enter the Kingdom of God by way of the cross of Jesus Christ and abide in the Land of the Free.  It's a place where you can really declare "Free at Last!"