Many of you read the title of this blog and clicked through preparing to be offended. Give me a few seconds before you pass judgment though.
Freedom is a very good thing. In fact, Paul tells the first groups of believers that we were called to be free: “For you have been called to live in freedom…” That’s not talking about a political freedom; it’s a true freedom only Jesus can provide. But political freedom certainly helps reality match with the freedom of heaven.
The problem is, freedom gives us the tendency to take it for granted. In fact, the next sentence in that verse in Galatians talks about that very thing: “But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” – Galatians 5:13
We’re meant to take advantage of our freedom but not to take it for granted. When you take something for granted, you abuse it. But when you take true advantage of something, you use it for your benefit and for the benefit of others. Our freedom as Americans (or whichever free country you’re reading this from) is meant to benefit us and to benefit others.
So we can’t just take it for granted. We’re meant to make the most of every day (Ephesians 5:16). That means an active pursuit of opportunities that our freedom provides us. And guess what, not everyone lives under this same freedom we experience. Yet they’re called to the same – to make the most of every opportunity.
If our fellow believers living under extreme oppression are called to make the most of opportunity – to innovate within whatever freedom they are given – shouldn’t we take our responsibility even more seriously. To whom much is given, much is required.
American freedom is a blessing. It’s a good thing. But it becomes a bad thing when we let it make us complacent. I encourage you – today and in the coming weeks – actively take advantage of your freedom. Ask God to give you unique ways to capitalize on your freedom and operate within it.
Could it be that God wants to bless America through you? It just might mean you taking full advantage of your freedom, though.