Reflecting on Christian Freedom - Serenity in Suffering

As we celebrate another Independence Day here in the United States, I enjoy reflecting upon the freedoms we enjoy living in this nation. Travelling extensively abroad, cultivated a true appreciation for freedom I took for granted before living in a third world country. At the same time I celebrate my freedom as an United States citizen, I rejoice in reflecting on Christian freedom bestowed upon me by my loving Heavenly Father.

Welcome to Mindfulness Monday! Where we learn some easy ways to be more present “in the moment” at our jobs, in our homes, with our families and friends. Learning to recognize God and what He has for us in each divine moment He offers. We acknowledge the belief that God is with us always. We confess His presence is available to us, lifting our spirit and helping us with power and grace. Learning to “be still”, so we can hear His voice and view ourselves, others and our surroundings through His eyes.

an eternal freedom

I love my country and I thank God He chose the United States as my birth country. I proudly display the American flag, honoring the commitment and dedication to liberty it represents. I esteem the principles of the Founding Fathers in birthing this nation and while they undoubtedly would cast a glance of disapproval at the democracy of our time, it is still the greatest nation on earth.

It is not, however, an eternal kingdom; in fact, the United States is found no where in end times prophecy. A stark reminder the freedoms we now enjoy, however long standing, hold only a temporary status. Not so for my freedom in Christ; once bestowed, never revoked. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36) No man can put me under bondage again; Christ’s freedom is an eternal freedom.

A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take away everything you have.

Thomas Jefferson

an all encompassing freedom

Reflecting on Christian freedom pours forth the abundance with which God blessed me the moment I accepted His offer of salvation. He not only endowed me with citizenship in His eternal kingdom, (Philippians 3:20) He freed me in every way from every area of bondage in my life.

• I am free from the law of sin and death. Romans 6:23 reminds me, the wages of sin is death, but the law of the Spirit of life in Christ paid my debt and now I fear no condemnation! (Romans 8:1-2)
• I am free from the bondage to sin. As Jesus said in John 8:34, he who sins, is a slave to sin. Praise God I am crucified with Christ, and as such I am dead to sin! Sin no more reigns in me! (Romans 6:6-7)
• I am free from my past. Though strewn with sin, my past sins were judged on the cross. (1 Peter 2:24) God removed them as far as the east is from the west! (Psalm 103:12) As I confess my sins to God, His forgiveness covers me, past, present and future. (1 John 1:9)
• I am free from the veil of separation. Before Jesus paid my debt on the cross, access to the Throne of God stood forbidden. (Exodus 26:31-33) Now I boldly come to the Throne of grace finding help in my time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
• I am free to serve God. Saved by grace not works frees me to serve God purely from a heart of love instead of working my way to heaven. (Ephesians 2:8-10)My place in heaven remains secure in Christ (1 John 5:13) I enjoy the freedom of serving God and loving others!

reflecting on christian freedom

Join me in a fun acrostic mindfulness exercise as a way of celebrating Independence Day. We celebrate our Independence as a nation on July 4th, the day the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. For this exercise think back to the time you received your Spiritual Freedom.

Plan around thirty minutes for this exercise and choose a quiet place with as few distractions as possible. Spend the first five minutes in slow deep breathing, checking in with emotions and how your body feels. Slowly transition to prayerfully reflecting on the the moment you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior. Think about how you felt emotionally, physically, mentally. Allow those feelings to surface, as you remember that great turning point in your life.

my freedom

When ready, begin reflecting through each letter of the acrostic I have for you with the word, “FREEDOM”. Linger with each word, allowing God to speak into your heart. Consider how each word fulfills the definition of freedom in your life. Savor how God reveals each word in your life. End your time of reflecting on Christian freedom in deep gratitude for all God gifts you in this word.

a blessed freedom

Reflecting on Christian freedom nourishes our souls, encourages our hearts and fills us with praise and adoration for the Giver of an all encompassing, eternal freedom. As we celebrate Independence Day in the United States, may we exceedingly rejoice in our freedom in Christ.

Ulimately, the necessity of a national Independence holiday is not required for lingering in reflection upon the great gift of freedom in Christ. May the greeting of God’s new mercies in each sunrise remind us of our precious standing in blood bought freedom.

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