Freedom

 I’ve been thinking a lot about freedom lately. 

What it means to me as an American and what it means to me as a Christ follower. 

 

I’ve come to the conclusion that they aren’t the same thing. 

 

Yes, I am free to do or say as I wish in both. 

But being a Christian holds greater responsibility than being an American. 

 

Just because I CAN say or do something doesn’t mean that I should. 

Just because I CAN express all my thoughts, emotions, and reactions in real time doesn’t mean than it’s wise to do so. 

 

Scripture tells us that the tongue is a powerful weapon that cannot be tamed, 

That out of the same mouth can come both blessing and curse, 

But that it shouldn’t be so. 

 

Scripture tells us not to let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths 

But only what is good for building one another up. 

 

Scripture tells us that in Christ, we are all equal, 

That there is neither Jew nor gentile, slave nor free, male and female, 

For in Christ we are one. 

 

Scripture tells us to be guided by the fruits of the spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. 

 

And self-control means knowing what is good for building one another up, 

For blessing and not cursing, 

For inviting all to Christ’s table, and 

For loving one another, 

Which is Jesus’s greatest command. 

 

So yes, I am free to say or do what I want as an American, 

And I am free to do it real time and share it with whoever cares to listen or see. 

 

But as a Christ follower, in deed and in word, 

I am bound to a higher call.

And that call is not a call of moral superiority and division

But a call of genuine love. 

 

Oh God. 

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable on your sight, 

Oh Lord, 

My strength and my redeemer. 

Forgive me 

When they are not. 

And help us do better. 

 

Amen.