Youth: “Understanding Our Freedom”
Some Questions Regarding Freedom
Hey young people, here in the USA, you have the freedom to apply scripture to your life in word and actions. Isn’t that awesome? Understanding your freedom, what it is and where it comes from, is only possible by recognizing that it is truly and only in Christ.
As a people, we must use our freedom responsibly to live in accordance with our faith. This involves seeking wisdom and discernment in decision-making, prioritizing love, and recognizing the role of God's grace and mercy in your young lives.
Ask yourself: Can I distinguish between my Christian freedom and other forms of freedom?
You need to understand that true freedom comes from a relationship with Jesus and that it is not the same as selfish independence or people-pleasing.
Do I embrace my freedom to approach God?
Jesus made the way and IS the Way to heaven. Hebrews 4:16 reads, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need,"
The ability to approach God is the wonderful gift of salvation. You can be encouraged to approach God with confidence and freedom, just as the Bible describes. The Holy Spirit, Christ in us, makes us free and empowers us to live a life that reflects our Christian identity, offering us the ability to make choices that align with our faith.
Do I truly understand God's grace and mercy so I can use my freedom to love and serve others, reflecting God's love in my actions?
Not all freedoms are equal, and some decisions may be harmful or go against your faith.
Galatians 5:1 states: "Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." This verse reminds us of our freedom from the law and encourages us to live in the liberty we have in Christ.
But in Galatians 5:13, Paul reminds us, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
You see, it is very important to know what freedoms God has given us in the New Covenant so that we don’t use them or abuse them to hurt ourselves or others in any way.
By understanding and applying these principles, you can use your freedom in the USA to live in accordance with your faith, serve others, and make a positive impact on your family, community, city, state, country and the world.
Do I pray for others who do not have freedom like I do?
There are many other places in this evil world where people do not have Christian freedom. Many are killed for their faith. So, please be careful to remember how much God has blessed you to be able to live here in America. I often read articles from this website to pray for persecuted Christians around the world. Maybe you could say a prayer for them as well.
God Bless,
~Steven
