In Christ, we are free from the yoke of slavery! We can stand firm on that fact as we resist the urge to re-submit ourselves to a life wrought with evil and propped up by hate mongrels who hound the people until they return to gratifying the desires of the flesh. Pay attention to what the Word of God says, then look intently at the perfect law of freedom. Those who study the perfect law of liberty will receive a blessing because they become seekers and doers of the word (James 1:25). Once we seek the Lord and pursue His truth, we reach a new level of understanding and we can “Speak and act as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom” (James 2:12, CSB).
Breathe like you are defending yourself against evil forces every hour of every day. Imagine committing a crime and going to prison. People are provoking you to get into fights and stealing from you, and you have no idea how to respond to this life. In Christ, we are never alone; seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit. Once we find ourselves in an ungodly situation, we must stand strong and allow our good behavior to testify that we are a new creation.
Every human has freedom, but we must be careful not to become an obstacle for those searching for the way to do God’s will under the banner of the Lord’s truth. Let us remember what Paul said: “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial” (1 Cor. 6:12, CSB). In other words, choose wisely; just because you can do something does not mean you should. We can kill, steal, lie, cheat, and do other evils, but when we do these things, it is against God’s will because His truth says do not kill, steal, lie, or do other evils.
Indeed, an individual may not have any connection with a human; but in the spirit, every individual who claims Christ have an obligation to the Lord and fellow believers. When the Lord reveals the mystery hidden for ages, we learn the truth if we are spiritual (Col.1:26). Let this be your truth and live every moment as if it were the last moment before the judgment. In school, students always want to know: “Is this going to be on the test?” Why do they ask that? When you are a student with limited thinking, you only want to learn what is necessary. Scripture tells us to grow in grace and knowledge and pray for spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Hear the Lord and let His words increase your knowledge and understanding. The Lord says: “You, my brothers, and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Gal. 5:13, NIV). Fulfill the Law of Christ and love thy neighbor.
Minister Nettie Pennington, Associate Minister, Springfield MB Church
