In America, we celebrated our country’s independence this week. A day of deliverance and freedom dating back to 1776.
But freedom isn’t free. Instead, blood, sweat, and tears worked together in order for freedom to ring loud and clear across this great land of ours.
Further, not only is freedom not free, but it also must be maintained.
You see, any country and people are at risk to lose the freedoms meant for our welfare. The freedoms we enjoy and hold dear. This can happen when government’s corrupt—no longer “for” the people and “by” the people.
Another danger lurks nearby when our personal choices enslave us either physically (jail, addictions, etc.) or spiritually (sin, idols, etc.). Still, the physical and spiritual realms often intersect when it comes to freedom.
Freedom Maintenance
Look at how the Apostle Paul describes freedom: “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 (NIV)
Notice the reason Christ sets us free as His people is for freedom’s sake. Why? Because the second half of that verse explains how we can find ourselves in bondage again—lose our freedom in Jesus.
Keeping our freedom intact is a wonderful way to let our spiritual freedom ring. Also, standing firm in our testimony, beliefs, and faith lets freedom ring for others to see and hear.
So here are 4 ways to let our spiritual freedom R-I-N-G.
Let Spiritual Freedom Ring: The Price Paid
R – Remember the price paid for freedom.
Men and women in the military gain and maintain our freedom. Some paid the ultimate price with their lives.
Likewise, God’s Son, paid the ultimate price for our spiritual freedom. Jesus’ bloodshed purchased our spiritual freedom. When we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, God’s gift of salvation, we are made free.
Believing in the power of Jesus’ blood is the first step toward true freedom.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 (ESV)
Freedom has a name, Jesus. Jesus’ blood spilled on Calvary’s cross to set real freedom in motion. But it never stopped at the cross. Jesus rose from the dead securing our spiritual freedom for all time.
Freedom in the Spirit
I – Invite the Holy Spirit to reign supreme.
At the time of our salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside us. He empowers us to live the crucified life in Christ. (See Galatians 2:20)
If we let the Holy Spirit reign supreme, giving Him the reins and control, He helps us maintain our spiritual freedom.
There’s freedom in the Spirit. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV)
Living and walking in the Spirit keeps us out of slavery to our flesh and sinful desires. “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 (ESV)
Soul Care and Spiritual Freedom
N – Nurture our soul.
Often, we nurture and care for our body, but forget God created us body, soul, and spirit. Soul care is vital for our spiritual welfare and freedom. So we examine the habits that help or hurt our soul.
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2 (NIV)
What habits promote our soul’s health? Worshiping the Lord, praising His holy name, and praying are good for our soul. Then, reflect on what habits damage our soul’s wellness. These are the habits that take us away from God and compromise our freedom.
Let Spiritual Freedom Ring: Truth Brings Freedom
G – Grow our mind and heart in the truth of scripture.
Truth brings freedom. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32b (ESV)
And there’s freedom in doing God’s perfect law. “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” James 1:25 (NIV)
Featured image courtesy of Canva.
