It was 1776 and on this date a group of statesmen gathered together to sign the Declaration of Independence from British rule. They set the course for a new, independent nation. That course would mean sacrifice and struggle and determination. Forging out a new democracy would be a challenge. This newly conceived democracy ultimately would become the pattern for freedom throughout the world. These visionaries broke the current mold of thinking and pursued a lifestyle unknown to the culture of the day.
Since the foundational days of the U.S. of A., successive generations have sought not only to follow the dreams of their founding fathers, but to flesh out the implications of those dreams. In many respects, Paul is urging followers of Christ to do the same thing, to live out the dreams and aspirations that God in Christ has for His people. As His children we are called to live by a standard that is antithetical to the world's lifestyle. Not that God calls us us to live above the world's level with a condescending attitude, but rather with the ambition of calling others to a higher plain.
The path of sin leads to tyranny and oppression. The Bible refers to it as being slaves to sin. Although many people think that if they accept Christ as Lord and Savior of their life, they will have to give up their freedom. It's just the opposite. People can choose to do whatever they want to do, but they can't choose the consequences of their actions or sin.
Paul says that Jesus is the only true path to freedom, that the Spirit of Life/Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death. Is the path to freedom easy? Not really. It came at a high cost, the life of Jesus. It takes courage, boldness, determination, self-sacrifice to follow Christ. Without that attitude and spirit, the U.S. wouldn't exist today. It took some gutsy people to pull that off. In a sense The Church is a new nation, a chosen nation according to Peter, that is set apart to fulfill God's purpose to bring true freedom to the world. We can't do that by following the old path.
God, I want to be a freedom fighter. I want to follow the example set by my forefathers of faith. Rising above the status quo of the world takes a sense of commitment and determination and empowerment that only comes from your Spirit. Fill me. Mold me. Empower me. I want to live to please you, God.
No comments:
Post a Comment