I will walk in freedom,
for I have devoted myself
to your commandments.
Psalm 119:45 NLT
Freedom happens when we commit ourselves to living the right way.
It may seem the more freedom you have to do what you want, the freer you will be.
That theory proves itself over and over. Just watch the rich and famous and observe how happy they really are.
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world [wealth, fame, success], but forfeits his soul?
Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matthew 16:26 NLT
The gist of the Bible Verse above is that you may have everything this life offers but if you aren’t living for Jesus and abiding by His ways, you have nothing.
True freedom happens when we put God’s boundaries around our conduct for living.
Just recently, we were away on a trip.
We spoke to some people who had been on a lengthy cruise and now were staying at a very expensive resort.
It seemed these folks were free to travel as they wished. I couldn’t help but wonder if they were truly happy. I hoped so, but what was their focus for life? Not my business, really, but I like to observe people. And so I wondered what went on below the surface. Not that everyone who travels extensively lives selfishly. But my question was, what is their motive for living? Perhaps it was the same as mine? Yet I wondered a little.
On our way back to the airport on this trip, a young man was our taxi driver. He was very pleasant and made conversation easily. We couldn’t help but like the fellow. One question he asked us was “how do you help others?”
I believe I know why he asked this question. He probably meets all kinds of people. Since the country he lives in has its share of poverty, he probably observes all the travellers. Perhaps he wonders after their nice travels what do they actually do to help others with their wealth.
We shared we are Christians and that we do indeed try our best to give to others generously. I did not say this to brag but to tell the truth. We have not forgotten to help others either in word or deed. And I can’t help but think of the words to a meaningful song I sang as a youth in our Young People’s Group.
FREELY, FREELY-
God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name. I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name And in Jesus’ name I come to you, To share His love as He told me to.
He said, “Freely, freely you have received Freely, freely give Go in my name, and because you believe Others will know that I live”
All power is givin’ in Jesus’ name In earth and Heaven in Jesus’ name And in Jesus’ name I come to you To share His power as He told me to
He said, “Freely, freely you have received Freely, freely give Go in my name, and because you believe Others will know that I live”
(Credit-Maranatha Music)
That is our mandate as Christians. We are to go in Jesus’ name and help others, give to others, and bless others.
We shared with the young Taxi Driver on our trip that we are Christians and we make it our goal to help others, as Christ would want us to.
His question “how do you help others” will stick with me. He made an impression on us and, hopefully, the other way around as well.
The young man may not have been a Christian, but he was listening intently. As we left, at the airport I looked him straight in the eye and said, “I wish you a blessed life and that you will live for Jesus.” I will never forget the look he gave, and I knew it was my last opportunity to witness to him.
So in the end, if you really want freedom, live your life for Jesus and freely give.
All else pales in comparison.
Why lose your own soul for freedom to live as you want?
Live as God wants.
Then you will know true freedom forever.