I want to be free!

John 8:  ³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

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Sitting next to the window I could see a bird soar. How I dreamt I could be outside again enjoying the warm weather but my daydream was cut short when the teacher asked me a question.

Later in life I walked to work after class one summer and I saw everyone gathering to have some fun. I longed to be with them but the punch-clock said different. Even later, I sat in a high pressured meeting with blame and accusations being tossed around and I remembered days with no responsibility. “I just want to be free!” I thought to myself.

• My definition of freedom is missing an ingredient.
• My definition of freedom is slightly off kilter.
• My definition of freedom doesn’t always include GOD.

The way I define freedom means I am free “from” responsibilities, free “from” blame, free “from” doubt, free “from” worries. That sounds good until I add more. I want to be free “to” do what I want, free “to” run wild, free “to” have what I want to have, free “to” say what I want to say.

“What is so bad with all that?” you ask. My definition of freedom is bathed with selfishness. I don’t want to be bothered with “life” and I want to just check out from problems without facing them, this turns to blaming others and even worse blaming GOD for constraining me so much.

• GOD wants me to serve people the way they need to be served.
• GOD wants me to tell people I sin and JESUS took my punishment.
• GOD wants me to continue to learn of HIS ways so I can truly be free.

Freedom is telling people I have lied. Freedom is telling people I have broken promises. Freedom is telling people I have fallen to many other sins. Now that my life is an open book, I am free to live without guilt. What a weight lifted off my chest. I have chained my life to JESUS and HIS truth has set me free!

• Are you trying to hide something?
• What sins are you committing that seem to hold you in captivity?
• Do you realize GOD forgave you for “all” your sins?
• Won’t you try to reduce your “sin diet” even though GOD set you free from death?
• Do you know GOD’s truth instead of your own “truth?”