On the weekend our country celebrates its freedom, I’m considering the “cost of freedom.” It’s a phrase that, as Americans, we often associate with democracy and the high price so many have paid to ensure our continued freedom. Or, as Christians, perhaps the phrase brings to mind the price Christ paid–his life–for our freedom from sin and death.
I confess, as both a citizen and a Christian, I often take my freedom for granted. Personally, I’m embarrassed to admit, it hasn’t cost me much.
But recently, as my life has taken some unexpected turns, God’s showing me that not only does freedom come at a cost, but we also have to learn how to live in freedom.
Paul understood this and penned a reminder to the Galatians–and us:
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
As humans, we return to what’s familiar. We’re most comfortable with the known–even when the known is painful. Moses led the Israelites out of slavery. But after a short time of wandering in the unknown, they were ready to return to what they knew–even though what they knew was bondage. Paul led the Galatians out from under the law and introduced them to the freedom found in Jesus Christ. But soon, the people were looking back longingly to the law that kept them enslaved. They knew how to live under the law. Freedom? That was unknown.
In my personal life, I’m paying a high price for freedom in several areas. Perhaps the most tangible is physically. After major back surgery two years ago, I had to learn to walk a new way–each step was intentional and painful. Now, I’m finally free to exercise again and begin strengthening the muscles that were stretched over my restructured frame. But the exercise is excruciating. It is one of the most difficult things I’ve done. My first session with my trainer resulted in a pulled muscle in my back. This week, I sustained another injury. This will be a long and painful process.
Honestly, as I’ve nursed the latest injury, I’ve thought how much easier it would be to stay bound by my physical limitations. After all, I’m okay. I can walk., sort of. Sure, I’m overweight and out of shape. I tire easily. I’m weak. And many of the things demanded of me are challenging and painful–traipsing through an airport, lugging baggage, walking the floor of a convention center–all things I need to do in the week ahead. But freedom? the price feels so high.
What personal freedom do you long to attain? What’s the cost? Are you, like me, struggling?
Let’s remember that Christ’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Maybe the most important question is what will you miss, what will I miss, by remaining bound? What is the cost of staying stuck in painful memories? What is the price of remaining in an abusive marriage? Or of remaining enslaved to food? Or alcohol? Or shopping?
I hope you’ll share your thoughts and encourage one another.
Ginny what caught me was “staying stuck in painful memories”. I don’t think you can just turn off memories, our minds are like a computer and stores all data base…make sense. BUT in my case I think I can restructure those memories since I now understand some of them a little better. doesn’t make them okay, but takes away that sting. and then taking it even further by saying, “I forgive” even when it happened 40 years ago, and sometimes having to keep saying “I forgive” until God makes it useable for His glory. Like you but maybe not to your extent, I have a bad back and a really bad knee, they limit our bodies but not our minds. but I still pray that God would grant us supernatural healing to be about His business in a new and energetic way. for anybody reading this, I don’t want to minimize what has happened to some as children and as adults, somethings aren’t okay and will never be okay….all we can hope in those situations is to be able to help someone else move through their pain, even if we have to just sit and cry with them. Many nights I spent wishing I had had someone to sit with me, cry with me, but alone I like to think I became stronger. good blog Ginny!!!!!
God’s Word tells us to be slaves. He has been opening my eyes lately to the ways that I have enslaved myself. We become slaves to our “things” because of the responsibility it is to take care of them and keep them. We become slaves to our past when we let the past rule our decision-making. We become slaves to illness when we do not condition & maintain His temple. I’m learning to live in freedom bit by bit, praise God!
Great writing Ginny.
p.s. I was so blessed to win your book & necklace from the B&H give-away on the SheReads site. My dad read your book and we talk about it all the time now!
Cindy,
Thank your for sharing your wisdom. Yes, I only want to be a slave to God and His purposes for me–to pick up my cross and follow Him, no matter the cost.
I’m so glad you enjoyed Words and shared it with your dad. 🙂 I’ve been surprised by how many men have read and enjoyed the book. I’m glad you like the necklace. I enjoyed picking it out. I loved it when I found it. I hope it is a reminder of who you are in Christ.
Wow Ginny this message was so perfect and so timely. I’ve been doing an online bible study about finding Hidden Joy in Dark Corners and this week’s chapter was about Forgiveness. I cannot believe the level of Freedom I have reached in my life through forgiveness. Even this morning, when I sat and read that chapter, I thought I had REALLY forgiven all the things in the past but as I finished, the Lord moved upon me and I found myself weeping and praying forgiveness for many who I really had not forgiven. Letting of of areas I didn’t realize still kept me bound. Jesus set us FREE. We do not need to live trapped in our pain or unforgiveness or emotional pain anymore. He can heal us.
I will be praying for strength for you in your struggle and that He might supernaturally touch your body but if that miracle doesn’t come that he will continue to lift you up and give you the wonderful perspective and grace you have.
Thank you for all you do and for sharing your journey with us.
Blessings,
Hope