True Freedom

by Ashley Ivery

The freedom to be ourselves is often challenged by the pressure to conform. The freedom to remain content with our portion is often challenged by the pressure to obtain more and more. The freedom to adhere to our principles is often challenged by the pressure to give into the whims of our emotions. We must make the choice daily to die to our old self and exercise our freedom to live for Him.

I’m learning true freedom is being able to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing. I’m learning true freedom is being able to discipline myself to study scripture and worship unabashedly with relatively little support. I’m learning that true freedom is relinquishing the wheel and allowing God to guide my life despite my own desires to remain in control.

So, today remember that we have been saved by grace through faith. We are free to walk within the newness of our life with confidence. We are free to exercise discipline and practice restraint. We are free to say “no” to things that are bad for us. As we address issues that are in conflict with our spirit we face opportunities for empowering change; however, these changes don’t come without some degree of discomfort. Recognize that not everyone will like, agree, appreciate, understand, or even value the shift in our perspective, but in choosing Christ…WE choose TRUE freedom.