The last eight to nine weeks have had us looking at freedom in a different light. Our ability to move about freely has been restricted and that gets uncomfortable. We covet the most what we cannot have. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
When a racecar is “free”, it’s on the edge of being out of control. It’s also usually fast. The driver is trying to control it in such a way to get everything out of the car that he can. As the race goes on and the car tightens up, the grip goes away, and the driver often has to adjust their line and the lap times get slower. In our lives, we also need to adjust our expectations to the freedoms that come and go in different situations. We also need to use the freedoms we have wisely.
Freedom is something we often take for granted in our country. Our ability to move freely and unhindered gives us the opportunity to see amazing things around the country. As we have seen recently, this freedom can vanish quickly. That is when we need to look at where true freedom lies: in Christ alone. Christ desires that we be free, but what does that mean?
John 8:31-32 NIV “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”
This statement confused the people of the time because they weren’t enslaved to anyone. We also don’t think of ourselves as slaves or being imprisoned. However, when we think about our wrongdoings we can become captive to them. Our sin makes us slaves and only Jesus Christ can set us free from that. When our thoughts and desires are on what we think is best for us, we aren’t free to live in the way God intended us to live.
The Apostle Paul speaks of freedom quite often in his letters. Ironically, Paul often wrote of freedom in Christ from a prison cell. He knew that freedom existed even when in chains. To the people of Corinth he wrote “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”
2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV. This was so important Paul repeated it in his letter to the Galatians. God is in control and there is freedom in seeking His will.
Are you captivated by the thoughts about what is happening in the world right now? It’s easy to get caught up in news reports, closures, and postponements. In these times many people feel out of control, uncertain, anxious, and downright depressed. It’s easy to feel like we aren’t very free right now. However, when we consider what Christ has done for us, our situation doesn’t look as bleak. Christ has given us a freedom in Him that can be a comfort both now and in the future regardless of circumstances.
Romans 8:1-2 NIV “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
All of our sin and wrongdoing was nailed to the cross with Jesus. He took our punishment so we are not condemned, but pardoned, and set free. When we acknowledge the gift we were given in Jesus, we will see all that God has in store for us that is good. He calls us to live a life that isn’t focused on ourselves, but rather a life serving and helping others.
1 Peter 2:16 ESV “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God”
Over the next few weeks, as restrictions continue to be lifted, I urge each of you to reach out to someone and give them a word of encouragement. Use the freedom of a phone call, a text message, or even a letter to let someone know you’ve been thinking about them during your time apart. Even a quick drive-by and a shout from your car window can bring a smile to someone’s face. Use the freedom you do have to do good. I’ll close with the words of Jesus in John 8:36 ESV “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
