The Cross & Easterনমুনা

“Set Free for Freedom”

One of the assignments that I had to do at seminary involved writing a research paper. I remember this particular paper because I was very proud of my work when I turned it in. I had controlled the material, analyzed all of the possible idiosyncratic elements of the vicissitudes in the arguments.

However, when I got my paper back from my professor, there was a big, fat, red zero at the top, along with a smaller note at the bottom, “Tony, great work. Great preparation. Wrong assignment.”

It wasn’t that I hadn’t done great work; it was that I had done the wrong assignment. As a result, I didn’t get credit for what I had done. Christianity is no different. It’s not that there aren’t a lot of people doing a lot of excellent things like attending church, helping the hurting, or saying all the correct spiritual platitudes. It’s just that they’ve missed the cross. They’ve missed Jesus Christ – and wonder why they aren’t experiencing any victory, power, hope and authority.

This is because the rules of religion can get in the way of a relationship. These religious rules are called “legalism.” It measures your spirituality by your activity. You must always do more, be better, pray longer and work harder. The legalism list never ends because there is always something else to add.

Paul wrote stern words to those contemplating following the Judaizers religion in Galatians chapter five when he said, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free ….”

Prayer:

Lord, I choose to live in light of the freedom Christ died to provide. Thank You for setting me free from the rules of religion so I can serve You out of a heart of gratitude. In Christ’s name, amen.

Seek Him, Serve Others

The next time you are in a conversation with someone who seems to be struggling with a list of man-made rules, use the opportunity to share with them the truth of Christ’s redemption.

Look today for a way you can serve someone in your home or at work through a special gift. Use your freedom to impact someone else for good from a pure love for God and not obligation.