Free from the Shackles
I have come to realize that many of us are not living in the freedom of Christ Jesus. We still hold on to chains that we must shake off once and for all. Many of us are still slaves.Are you a slave?In order to become free from whatever has enslaved you, you must unlock the chains and run free and away from the ideals and the fabricated impressions of heaven that keep you bound in chains. Webster’s dictionary defines a slave as one who "is strongly influenced and controlled by something." Are you controlled by your recognition at work? Are you influenced by social media? Are you controlled by the perception of those around you? Or perhaps, you are enslaved to the desire to be more or have more. I was a slave to my self-imposed ideals.A slave to what I thought I was “supposed” to be. The children of Israel were slaves to their ideals as well.They desired more than what the Lord had given them.They called the bread of heaven ""worthless food," (Numbers 21:5).They were impatient for the promises of God.They wanted to have heaven on earth, but if they couldn't have it according to their way,they would rather go back to being slaves in Egypt. So many of us are like the children of Israel. We want to have create heaven here on earth. We go out of our way to create harmony and beauty. We try desperately to perfect our own worlds. We take pictures of the perfect meal, the best of friends, the first rate vacation, the exemplary children and post them so the world can admire and "like" our heaven on earth. We pin workout plans and dinner plans and summer plans and birthday plans and organization plans and backyard paradise plans and interior decor plans so that we can elevate our lives to create heaven on earth. None of those things are wrong. We were created to create…to make things beautiful. To enjoy life and its splendor. We were created to have friends and enjoy good food and to fill the earth with pretty babies. We were created for Eden…but paradise was lost. We live in a fallen world.We live in a world of sin and iniquities. In place of harmony, we struggle through the cacophony of life.In place of beauty, we see the harshness and misery of death. Heaven can't be created on earth.It is unfathomable. The kingdom of Heavenhowever, has been redeemed.We have been given the keys and the secrets to the kingdom of heaven! How do we become free?
- Surrender to God Daily
The kingdom of heaven is for the poor in spirit. Therefore, daily, give up everything He has given you and give it to the One who died on the cross for your sins and mine, so that you may be set free.
- Serve Others Instead of Yourself
When Joseph was in Potipher’s house, he was a slave and he served others, despite the fact that he knew God had great plans for his life. He served in the household and was blessed by God. We serve others because Jesus served others. It doesn't matter whether or not you are serving or working in the capacity that He has promised you; it is your job, like Joseph, to be faithful and serve others in the small things and He will work out the rest.
- Praise Him No Matter the Circumstances
There will be times when you feel like you are still a slave;when the chains seem to be holding you down again. PRAISE Him. The song of praise on your heart will break those chains, but the sound of complaint on your lips will strengthen the hold. Praise Him in the storm, in the rain, in the uncertainty and in the pain.
- Declare your Freedom
“So if the Son sets you Free, you are truly free” John 8:36 ESV (emphasis mine).
- Pray for a Vision for Your Life
When King Nebuchadnezzar had his dream and demanded to be told what it was, Daniel and his friends prayed for that vision to be revealed to them. It was the revelation of that vision that set them free in many ways. It was because of that revelation that Daniel and his friends were set apart from the rest, they were proclaimed and lifted up higher than the other “wise men.” God has a vision for your life; ask that He reveal it to you so that your life can be set apart for His glory. “Where there is no vision the people perish” Proverbs 29:18.
- Walk to Your Freedom
Peter was bound in chains when an angel got him up; “Then the angel said to him, ‘Put on your clothes and sandals.’ And Peter did so. ‘Wrap your cloak around you and follow me...”Acts 12:8. If you want to be free, you have to follow the one who will lead you out of slavery. Like Peter, you have to get up, get yourself together and walk out. Don’t sit around and piddle in your pity party. Walk towards your freedom!
- Be Resolved to What He has Called You to
If he has called you to it…do it. To be resolved is to be determined to do something; to be intentional, purposeful. He’s called you to it. You really don’t have a choice. Is your freedom worthy of His calling? God believes it is…do you? You are not a slave any longer. He paid the price for you to be delivered. Walk in His Freedom. “It is for freedom that Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” Galations 5:1. photo credit: national museum of american history via photopin cc