In the Name of Love:
The Power of Freedom in Christ
(A Faith-filled Flight of Liberation and Love)
Do you ever watch a hummingbird in flight and marvel at its skill and the skill with which it flits from flower to flower? Often, you'll see it darting from one beautiful bloom to another, as if sampling the sweet nectar of the Freedom we're all meant to taste.
That's a bit like finding true liberation in Christ.
Why?
The real McCoy can seem elusive in a society that seems like a buffet with constant offerings of different definitions of Freedom. Yet, there's one thing we can't deny—this exhilarating reality is etched deeply in the scriptures and proclaimed by theologians across the ages. Like the flaming red of a hibiscus standing out amidst a sea of green, let's bring to light the radiant truth of experiencing absolute Freedom in Christ.
Serving up a Sumptuous Tale of Transformation
Our Freedom Journey today begins with a quick retelling of a humdinger (I had to) of a story - John Newton, a former slave trader turned hymn-writer and abolition advocate. Known for the timeless hymn "Amazing Grace."
Prison Fellowship's Inside Journal says he "became known for his wild behaviour (he almost drowned after falling off a ship during a party - ahem), then becoming involved in slave trade, and he was renowned for openly mocking his faith. At one point he seemed as far away from God as he could get." Newton embarked on his deeply personal voyage from a state of spiritual darkness right back into the warmth of God's mercy.
Newton's life story paints a vivid picture of physical and spiritual liberation beyond human comprehension. His journey resembles a bird escaping from a cage - from despair to hope, darkness to light.
Newton's transformation is like a hummingbird finally tasting sweet nectar after an arduous journey—it's palpable proof of the transformative power of divine love and forgiveness (read it sometime!). His encounter with Christ set him on a redemption-filled journey, leading him to vehemently denounce his past in the slave trade. This powerful testament demonstrates the tangible change true Freedom in Christ can bring about in our lives, in your life!
Of course, this is not the first divine taste of freedom. The Bible has many many teachings on Freedom, a heavenly hodgepodge of scriptural foundations.
Scriptural Foundations
Paul penned Galatians with a somewhat fiery quill, rallying behind the believers in Galatia who found themselves squished under the weighty expectations of Jewish Christians. He passionately declared that Jesus was the ultimate game-changer, fulfilling the law and unshackling them from the Old Testament's demands. Galatians 5:1 booms out a clarion call to believers,
"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."
Paul's message to the Galatians here accentuates the custom-made design of Freedom in Christ – emancipation from the chains of sin AND the regulations of the law that once dictated righteousness.
In John 8:36, Jesus offers us the best heavenly nugget referring to His own power to release the bonds of sin,
"So if the SON sets you free, you will be free indeed."
This profound statement underscores the authentic and lasting nature of Freedom found in Him, as opposed to the fleeting and deceptive freedom versions the world often offers. There are many theologians who have also contemplated and expounded on Paul's concept of Freedom in Christ.
A Humdinger of Theological Insight
Martin Luther, In his literati masterpiece "On the Freedom of a Christian," simplifies this concept into two essential facets: the liberation of the soul from sin and conscience through faith in Christ and the Freedom of the body to demonstrate love to one's neighbour. Rev. Travis Loeslie comments on Luther's liberty in that "as utterly free as Christ was, He also bound Himself under the law to serve His creatures and win their salvation."
Augustine of Hippo is a similar voice calling in the theological wilderness. He aptly stated in his Confessions that, "You have made us for yourself, O Lord and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." He points to the rest and contentment in aligning one's life with God's purpose, implying that true Freedom is discovered in surrendering to the divine.
Adding to this illustrious list is Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who, even while the shadow of Nazi oppression loomed over him, penned insights on ethics and Freedom. He famously remarked, "Freedom is not the liberty to do whatever we please, but the liberty to do what we ought." This insight propels us to responsibly use our Freedom in Christ to live according to God's will, promoting justice, peace, and the welfare of our fellow man.
We are basically invited to flit from one act of love to another, leading lives that reflect the profound truth that we are indeed free in Christ
Living It Out – March of the Hummingbirds
Think of it this way: much like the hummingbird's flight pattern in our gardens, we're on a magnificent, never-ending conga line of kindness, shimmying from one good deed to the next.
Too much of an analogy? It's not! I love this translation of Hebrews 10:24-25 from The Message:
"So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching."
It's all about living out the joyous reality that, yep, we're totally and utterly free in Christ.. Whether we break free from addiction's chains, gather the courage to forgive ourselves and others, or spread justice and truth in our communities, our Freedom in Christ empowers us to continue the flit; it spurs us on!
In their YouTube video "How to Be Free in Christ" Impact Video Ministries echoes this, noting how our Freedom in Christ pushes us to live without fear, embrace our true identity, and ultimately (best about it!) positively influence others. I will also admit that one of the reasons this post is not as long as many of the others on this blog is because I want you to stay on the page to WATCH AND LISTEN TO THIS GREAT (short!) VIDEO!
In conclusion, genuine Freedom in Christ isn't a mere concept—it's a life-changing reality. John Newton's example, Martin Luther's (and various other theologians) insights show that Freedom liberates us from sin's shackles and empowers us to live as God's children.
So what? Freedom isn't about getting to do what you want, when you want, with no consequences? Um, NO (you knew this). It's about deciding what your are a slave to - to yourself or being totally okay with obeying the Lord instead and then to use your freedom to love God and serve others.
And so, we arrive at the end of this brief exploration into the profound freedom we find in Christ. This isn't the conclusion of our journey, though. Instead, it's the catalyst to a deeper understanding, a wider love, and a stronger faith. Now, as we step forward into the canvas of tomorrow, let us hold these truths close to our hearts. Let us embrace the freedom gifted to us through Christ, not as a mere theological concept, but as a day-to-day reality - a living testament to God's unwavering love and grace. And finally, let us remember, that the journey to discover the depth of our freedom in Christ is an ongoing expedition, a delightful quest that will lead us, one act of service to another, closer to the divine. The journey will not always be easy, the path may sometimes seem steep and treacherous, but with Christ, we are unshackled. Walk boldly, free from chains, and rejoice, for you are free, truly free, in Christ.
The path to eternal freedom has been charted, and with each step, we are going home.