Freedom is basically the fruits of the spirit- peace, kindness, patience, self- control, honesty, compassion, love, faithfulness and so on. Characteristics that bring not only positive change but really bond humans together in Christ.
Why do we have such powerful forces preventing us from being our true, authentic, best selves?
We all enter into the world with instincts that are a part of our genes. For example, instincts to stay away from physical danger like fire but we also have whats called “self-preservation” instincts that cause us to stay away from psychological harm. When we feel any type of a threat whether it is real or based on our own experiences and environment, those instincts get executed in seconds, motivating us to defend ourselves however necessary.
Even though these instincts were created for our protection, they can also get us into trouble when we become defensive in a way that is not healthy. For example, not being open to how others feel or even their input. Going to the extreme to pretend to be someone we clearly are not just so we don’t look bad in the eyes of another. Not being able to take a healthy look in the mirror to see our own shortcomings but really pointing out others’ shortcomings. These are all examples of how we end up actually violating our own dignity ( psychologically).
We can look at example after example of well known public figures who have tried to save face with their own bad behavior which creates a scandal thus violating their dignity again.. Bill Cosby, Bill Clinton, Lance Armstrong, Bernie Madoff are just to name a few. Scripture says… Pride comes before destruction and an arrogant spirit before a fall. If we are living this way, then we may be in for a fall to get us back in align with Christ.
Jesus came to save and rescue us from ourselves. We are all in need of a savior. Let me back this piece up with some scripture so we have an even better understanding into the deception that is us.
Jesus said to him, ” I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me- John 14:6
I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness- John 12:46
Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self- controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age- Titus 2:12
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of GOd, who loved me and gave himself for me- Galatians 2:20
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self- control- 2 Timothy 1:7
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God- Romans 3:23
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare not for evil, to give you hope and a future- Jeremiah 29:11
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us- 1 John 1:8
It is the spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life John 6:63
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God- Roman 8:14
If we don’t allow Christ to identify these areas so we can understand these aspects of our own shared humanity, we are very much in trouble and will reap what we sow. That is the law, my friends.
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