FREEDOM!

Freedom is something each American has had for over 200 yrs but there are many in our world that will really know this precious gift. But, spiritually speaking, we can all be free in Christ because He paid the price, He was our ransom, He paid our debt on the cross. That kind of freedom, if accepted, can never be taken from someone. Governments, despots, terrorists, and others may seek to take it from us but we are sealed from above by the Holy Spirit and that has guaranteed us total freedom in Christ.

Freedom is precious and freedom is costly. Because of this Paul teaches us that we must prove to the world what that freedom really looks like by walking by the Spirit, being led by the Spirit and living by the Spirit and we do all of that by fulfilling the Law in loving our neighbor as ourself.

How do we show the world that we are free in Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit? We show by exhibiting not only outwardly but also inwardly the fruit within us given by the Holy Spirit. Want to know who is Spirit walking, Spirit led, Spirit living? Then Paul says look and you will see. Jesus said we would know who is filled with the Spirit by their fruit. Peter further amplifies this by reminding us that we have been given everything necessary for life and godliness. Therefore we who are sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit have within our possession everything that we need to live and move and breathe. The fruit of the Spirit is within us but it is our choice to allow Him to guide us in our conduct, lead us in our lifestyle and show the world this freedom that we possess. If we fail to show then Peter says we are nearsighted, we are blind, we have forgotten the price paid for our sins.

Galatians 5 list: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 5:23 gentleness, and self-control.

2Peter list: add to your faith excellence, to excellence, knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; to godliness, brotherly affection; to brotherly affection, unselfish love.

Today, as you read the list in Galatians 5 and 2Peter 1, look and see if you are missing anything. Where are you falling short? What do you need to fulfill the Law of Christ? Live as free men/women of Christ.