Thoughts: Jesus said, "The truth shall set you free, and you shall be free indeed" (Jn. 8:32). The truth of Christ sets us free. Christ's truth enables us to finally trust someone. There are times we cannot trust our leaders, our teachers, those who are supposed to have our best interest at heart. Today people have a mixed up idea that truth is not real. But being able to trust in the truth of Christ sets us free from fear and distrust. We can trust in faith that after death there is life for those who believe. We can trust that doing good and right is important. We mistakenly sometimes think that if we can do anything we want, we will be free. But our sins can trap us- just as addictions can trap us. The evil we think is so intriguing can take away our hope and joy- like a food that tastes sweet to the mouth but turns sour in the stomach.
In Christ we are called to live free from sin, free from death, free from destruction. It is by God's grace that we are called to be free. He comes to our prison to release us - not for good behavior, but as the one who takes our irons off and puts them on him. In gratitude, we should live good lives. I remember the movie, "Saving Private Ryan" where the captain (Miller) comes to find and rescue Ryan from danger- but dies in the process. He whispers to him as he dies, "Earn this." Truth is, we can never earn the death of Christ. But we can live in a grateful way so that we do not take for granted what He has done. We do not, as our passage says, need to indulge in the flesh, but we can serve one another in love.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the freedom we have. Help me to make the most of the freedom you have given me.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” -Nelson Mandela
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