JESUS ON FREEDOM

Today, God led me on a deep journey into the meaning of true freedom. It was eye-opening for me, and I hope it is for you as well.


As ministry and marketplace leaders, it is critical that we model the right behavior for all Christ-followers. Sadly, there are never-ending examples of well-known, well-respected Christian leaders who abuse their freedom and deeply hurt many.


WORLD’S DEFINITION OF FREEDOM
Many ministry and marketplace leaders use the world’s definition of freedom to do what we want, when we want, and how we want. We make decisions without consulting Christ, scriptures, or Godly mentors and assume that because we are in Christ and living Godly lives, we can do as we please. This is not what Jesus teaches. The world teaches independence, but Christ teaches us total dependence—on Him. For me, it means a daily, complete surrender to Christ as Lord.


To quote a brother in Christ: “Freedom in Christ is not the right to do what we want, but the ability to do what we ought.” - Jim Daly, President; Focus on the Family


DEFINITION OF TRUE FREEDOM
The world’s definition of freedom is fatally flawed. Even the most devoted and faithful Christ-following ministry and marketplace leaders go astray by allowing the world to influence our understanding. There is a constant pull, like the force of gravity, to keep us grounded in our flesh. However, our Spirit is free to surrender to Christ, as it is written: “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature, a slave to the law of sin.” (Romans 7:25 NIV). Just like with gravity, if we don’t fight against it, we will live life laying down. We must stand.


Action to Take: Stand in Christ by the power of God’s Word and consistently and persistently fight the pull of the flesh, our sinful nature, and rise up in the freedom of our Christ-nature. As it is written: “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)


USE OF FREEDOM
We are called to use our freedom to love God, ourselves, and others. “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:13-14 NIV). We are told not to use freedom to fulfill our sinful, selfish, self-centered natures (our flesh).


Action to Take: Use the vast freedom we have in Christ to solely love God, ourselves, and others with and by the unlimited power of the Holy Spirit.


BEYOND FREEDOM
As Christ-followers, we transcend the bondage of this world and are ushered into the world of Christ’s Spirit: “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child, and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4:7 NIV). It is one of the most profound and difficult concepts to grasp: We are co-heirs with Christ, as it is written: “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” (Romans 8:17 NIV).
Action to Take: Live life in great humility with the full embodiment of being a co-heir with Christ. The operative words here are “great humility.” Without humility, powerful, anointed ministry and marketplace leaders collapse in abject failure. And this collapse happens internally, long before the defeat becomes public.


CONCLUSION
Let’s remember the true freedom we have, which is the ability to completely and utterly surrender to Christ and His leadership as we lead others to do likewise.
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Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. 
January 4, 2024
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ.