2 Corinthians 3:17 (NKJV) Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
We hear a lot of rhetoric and lip service about “liberty” today but any casual student of history, government or politics recognizes that true liberty has diminished dramatically in American. Liberty is robbed by politicians seeking power, and citizens trading responsibility for government handouts or false security.
Our liberty as citizens can come and go based on what other people do. Our liberty as Christians was purchased by Christ and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. It is the only TRUE liberty available to us that cannot be taken away, though sadly, lots of Christians try to rob other Christians of theirs.
What is liberty? It is enjoying the freedom of following our conscience and God’s will for our life, realizing it is not the same for everyone else. It is the joy of having a personal choice for those things God has not specifically given a command about. God may allow me freedom in areas that He convicts you to avoid. God may say “No” to me where He has said “Yes” to you. Jesus paid for our liberty, don’t let anyone rob you of it. Don’t rob others of theirs.
Think It Over: Do you understand what Christian liberty is? Do you know what the Biblical guidelines are concerning liberty? Do you rob others of their liberty by expecting them to live exactly like you? Do you allow others to rob you of your liberty by Christian peer pressure or legalism?