1 Peter 2:16 Live
as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for
evil; live as God’s slaves. (NIV)
Freedom is a wonderful gift which should be cherished,
encouraged, and protected by people everywhere. All over the world, there are
regions and nations where liberty is denied and justice is callously set aside.
For freedom to be truly experienced, equality and dignity have to be made
available and shared with everyone, even with those whom we disagree. Freedom
does not work if people cannot express their views, opinions, or ideas. We may
not agree with what people think or say, but if we choose to forcefully silence
dissent or stridently suppress the opposition, then we are no longer free;
instead, we are held captive to our choices and enslaved by our own prejudices.
When the apostle Peter was writing to the newly formed
Christian churches, he wanted them to personally experience the freedom that
Christ had obtained for humanity through His crucifixion. They were set free
from the eternal consequences of their sins, so they could now live as a free
people – freed from fear and liberated from guilt – whose response to this
great grace from God should have been to love and forgive one another. However,
as Peter rightly cautioned those believers, they were also not to abuse their
deliverance from damnation as a means of covering up evil. God had pardoned
them through Jesus, but this did not mean they were now free to do what they
liked or to justify their sins. It meant that they should respond by serving
God faithfully, doing what He wanted, and sharing this great privilege of being
forgiven.
As we approach a great day of liberty – the 4th
of July – let’s cherish our freedom by sharing our Christian faith in the best
ways that we can: accepting and forgiving one another, as well as listening to
and loving each other, especially with those whom we disagree.
Point to ponder
How can I celebrate my faith and cherish freedom at
the same time?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You commanded us to love God and
one another. To truly practice this, we will have to overcome our loathing and
despising of those whom we strongly oppose. Help us to embrace and be changed
by Your commands. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart is currently
the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would
like to comment or ask questions about this message, please send him an email
to Traqair@aol.com.
Today’s image is one of
John’s drawings called “Liberty.” If you would like to view a larger version,
click this link: Liberty.
