Mustard Seed Moments: Using our Freedom for Good

There is nothing more precious to Americans than freedom. We celebrate it not just on the 4th of July, but also on Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day when we remember those who have served in our military ranks in order to protect it. We don’t just value freedom of our own, either. Americans fought for the freedom of those in Nazi concentration camps during World War II and since then, our troops have been involved in numerous missions to rescue hostages and other people from captivity.

The Bible teaches us that freedom a gift of God. It is freedom – freedom from the eternal consequences of sin – that Christ brings to all who believe. The Word also tells us freedom is something we must manage well.

Just as Adam and Eve were given the freedom to choose which food to eat in the Garden, so we are given the freedom to make everyday choices in our own lives. Not using that freedom wisely is costly. Adam’s disobedience led to a separation from God that would affect all of mankind.

The unwise use of our personal freedom can have consequences for ourselves and others as well. We must be careful to guard against our natural desire to put ourselves first and instead think about what God would have us do.

In a world fractured by political division and a raging pandemic, it is more important than ever to keep in mind we are free to do what we want, but we are called by God to use that freedom for good. In Psalm 119:45, David wrote, “I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.”

May we remember the essence of those commandments, which are the foundation of our freedom: to love God with all of our heart, mind, and strength; and to love others as God has loved us.

“It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those
ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For
you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom
as an excuse to do evil.” – I Peter 2:15-16 (NLT)

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.
Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” – Galatians 5:13 (NLT)