Have you ever felt like being a Christian is constraining? That being a Christian is a shackle, you feel caged and unable to live free.
There was a time I believed this. A time when it felt like this Christianity thing wasn’t the way to go, like the world may have a better idea. This was particularly so when I saw friends and acquaintances living “freely” and act as they pleased. It made me wonder if I had got it wrong.
But then…
Let me tell you a story, a story that is as old as time, literally. One that began on the most beautiful place on earth – Eden.
Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”
And the woman said to the serpent, “we may eat of the fruits of the garden, but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, not shall you touch it, lest you die.’ Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Genesis 3: 1b- 5
As you can see, the devil has peddled this lie about freedom for generations. He deceives us into thinking being with God constrains us. That being a Christian is not the best option rather the world’s freedom is the way to go.
And here is why his lie is so destructive – we humans crave freedom. Like Eve, we allow our eyes and hearts veer off to the sound of freedom. The serpent told them they will be like God. What they forgot was that they already were. See Genesis 1:26-28
We chase after perceived freedom rather than staying with the real thing. We may forget that what is perceived is merely a mirage, the devil cannot give what he does not have.
Real freedom belongs to One
There is only one who can give freely, and he is the epitome of freedom.
Being a Christian does not constrain us, here are the things that do:
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of this world, and not according to Christ.”
Colossians 2:8
- Pride constrains
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Proverbs 11:2
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be kept safe.”
Proverbs 29:23
These are neither fruits of the spirit nor character traits of the kingdom. The kingdom of God is one of true freedom, it is made up of:
- A truth that frees
Jesus said, “If you hold on to my teaching, you are truly my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31 -32
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18
- Humility that elevates, and
“The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.”
Proverbs 3:34
- Courage that activates our purpose
“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.”
Joshua 1:6
Making His way real
While thinking about my life, I’ve realised that I am always at my most creative, most productive, playful, and happiest when I’m submitted and aligned with the word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Notice I didn’t refer to pastors or church doctrines but to God.
What about you?
Do you believe that to do life God’s way is a shackle that holds you down and stops you from soaring?
There’s a tendency for the church, knowingly or otherwise, to incorporate legalism in its doctrinal practice. Beware of this and know when to obey and when to retreat as freedom in Christ is a path that is focused on His way and His will.
It is true freedom because in Him there is no wrong.
It is the most excellent way as His love constrains us to walk according to his plans and purpose rather than assuage our fleshly desires.
Finally, I believe that when we recognize, acknowledge, and actualise our identity in Christ, then we can live in His truth, which sets us free indeed.
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
John 8:36
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