Defining freedom

"So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free . . ." (Gal. 5:1)

I've had my e-mail address for as long as I've had e-mail: areyoufree2. The server has changed from time to time, but the actual name has not. The reactions over the years have been varied, with the most bizarre one being a young lady at a funeral I preached thinking it was a question of her dating status!

For Christians, it should probably mean just a little more . . . in fact, it should be the question of our lives: Are you truly free? Thanks to cultural theologies and worldly standards, even this 4-word question needs unpacking.

I do know what it doesn't mean. Freedom in Christ does not mean that we as followers of Christ are exempt from pain, suffering, disease or death. Two of my three children have juvenile diabetes and despite the constant pounding on the doors of heaven, they have yet to be healed.

Freedom in Christ does not mean we will never experience defeat, failure, despair or depression. Just ask any pastor!

Freedom in Christ does not mean we have a hall pass from temptation. In fact, as Charles Spurgeon writes, "The last howling of the dog of hell will be heard as we descend into the chill waters of the black stream of death."

Freedom in Christ does not mean being safe and tucked in bed from all the horrors of this life, only to wake up on heaven's side realizing it was a bad dream.

What freedom in Christ does mean is so much more eternal. Once we have trusted Jesus with our lives on this earth, then we are free from thinking this life is the only one that really matters. Once we have surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus, we are free from thinking we are in control of what happens to us. Once we have repented of the sin that so easily trips us up, we are free from the shame, the guilt, the pain and the penalty that sin brings with it.

And once you're free, stay free! Stay free to enjoy this life as you live for Jesus, knowing that it won't be fair. But the heavenly Father's does not always remedy life's unfairness -- He does much better. He redeems it!

Stay free to love without condition, dance without restraint, worship without apology, and serve without hesitation. When all is said and done, living free in Christ is really the only way to live.

So . . . are you free, too?