Towards the Center - Freedom, Joy & Boundless Generosity

"True freedom is freedom from myself and from the cramping tyranny of my own self-centeredness, in order to live in love for God and others. The cross opened the gates to freedom by overthrowing powers that held nations captive.”

NT Wright | The Day the Revolution Began: Reconsidering the Meaning of Jesus's Crucifixion

“Love for God that doesn't pursue holiness misunderstands the freedom from sin inherent in the gospel.”

Esau McCaulley | Reading While Black

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:1, 13-14

Jesus’ death and resurrection secured some things for all who’d chose to enter into relationship with him–

A secure identity: God’s beloved child

A new purpose: Living in union with God and loving people

Freedom is the believer’s birthright.

The belief that what I do is what justifies me before God is still alive and well today. That belief has always been and always will be totally opposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Wherever that belief exists in us, we are not yet as free as God means for us to be.

Paul is saying: I can imagine a world where you aren’t stuck. I can imagine a world where you are truly free, secure in your beloved identity and divine purpose to love and serve, not earn, compare or strive for the belovedness and purpose you already have. I can imagine a world where you operate in the freedom, joy and generosity that you were made for because of who Jesus is and because of his death and resurrection on the cross.

Where are you stuck in a destructive belief, attitude, or pattern? Where are you unable to imagine a life that is truly as free as God means for you to be?

Prayer Practice to Stand Firm

1. Close your eyes, take 3 deep breaths

2. Call to mind an area where you feel “stuck”. A false belief, destructive attitude or behavior that you cannot change on your own. Perhaps a way you try to control someone or something.

3. Clench your fists in a way that mimics how stuck you feel.

Wonder: What has this belief or behavior cost you?

4. If/when ready: Open your hands as a symbol of surrendering this area to God, ask for God’s help to live in freedom.

5. Close: imagine God’s loving gaze & ask if there’s anything God wants to say to you