It took me four hours to travel the twenty miles of highway east of the George Washington Bridge. I was surrounded by thousands of cars and large trucks. At one point I was sitting dead still completely surrounded by eighteen-wheelers. I was obviously not in control of my situation but was imprisoned by circumstances.
I know people who live imprisoned lives. They are surrounded by people who never think a new thought and never want to try anything fresh. The operating principle of life is “Have we ever done this before?”
In Galatians 5:1 Paul writes, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”
Jesus frees us from worrying about the future. He has promised to save us if we will only allow Him. Once that important issue is settled we are free to utilize our energies for growth. We can concentrate on becoming a better us. We can venture forth to try new things and to think new thoughts.
It is no coincidence the Renaissance began in Europe. Even though the church often stifled progressive thought, true believers in the Word saw through those who would use religion to control others and instead allowed themselves to be filled with God’s spirit and firmly grasped the message of freedom in Christ. The world was never the same. The shackles of ignorance and tradition were thrown off in exchange for new ideas. Jesus came to set us free from sin, from guilt and ignorance. To think bold new ideas is the exciting future to which Christ calls us.
Written by Roger Bothwell on October 21, 2007
Spring of Life, 151 Old Farm Rd. Leominster, MA 01453.