What To Do To Be Free

Freedom is what everyone wants. But it often seems that we human beings default and gravitate toward living in slavery, often without resistance or without knowing it.

Some random thoughts as to what to do to be free and not a slave:

1. Love God by loving others (Mt 22:37-39). Look upward and outward, rather than being excessively introspective, self-centered and self-obsessed.
2. Think things through thoroughly (Phil 4:9; Rom 12:2; 2 Tim 2:7; Col 3:2; Prov 15:28). Be a critical thinker. Blindly accepting anything is likely unwise and unhealthy.
   
3. Have a clear goal and plan (Ac 20:24, 27). Otherwise you will live randomly and aimlessly and waste your life. Regret repels freedom.

Freedom

Psalm 119:45 (Galatians)

"I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments." (NLT)

"Give me liberty or give me death!" These famous immortal words were the conclusion of one of the best speeches in history. They were uttered with the utmost of passion and earnestness in 1775 by Patrick Henry, a month before the start of the Revolutionary War against the expansive policies of the British Empire. Henry's extended quote says, "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" It might be the words that most exemplify who an American is at his or her very core. It likely also expresses the utmost cry of every living human being.

Theme: Give me freedom or give me death. 

5 Rules for Life Together in Christ

The apostle Paul's 5 guidelines on how to best use our Christian freedom (1 Cor. 10:31-11:1):

1. Do all for the glory of God (31) - not insisting on my freedom.
   
2. Try to please everyone in every way (33) - not claiming my rights.
   
3. Seek the good of many (33) - not my benefit or fulfillment.
   
4. Seek that many may be saved (33) - not be preoccupied with myself.
   
5. Follow the example of Christ (11:1) - not concerned about my reputation.

1 Cor. 10:31-11:1 (NIV) says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ³² Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— ³³ even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. ¹ Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

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