There is a responsibility built into freedom - to remain free. Saint Paul stated it this way in his letter to the Galatians “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Like a fruitful garden freedom requires maintenance. The weeds of slavery remain a constant threat.I believe that inherent to the fall is man’s propensity to bondage. Church history seems to bears this out. We repeatedly choose controls and structures. The church has consistently preferred the old wine over the new. Thank God every generation has had a remnant with a passion for freedom, a passion powerful enough to make the price worth it all.
As one who has pursed the fullness of freedom, I’ve discovered that the price of freedom in this generation is ridicule, accusation, suspicion, misunderstanding, gossip an even slander. To be honest, I really can’t complain, in centuries past I would’ve been burnt at the stake in the town square. So be it, if this be my lot, I’m willing to pay this price.
I’ve decided I’m willing to push the envelope, buck the status quo, pay the price and boldly live outside the proverbial box. Why, because we are still light years away from living out the full freedom Christ won for us on Calvary’s cross. It’s actually not much of a risk because I trust my heavenly Father. In Luke’s gospel chapter 11 verses 11-13 Jesus said:
Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
I have repeatedly asked the Father for the fullness of the Holy Spirit and He has lead me to the outer fringe of Christendom. I’m convinced He hasn’t brought me out here to give me a snake or a scorpion! If my brothers and sisters in Christ are having trouble understanding my journey, I’m OK with it, I really am. Maybe one day their children can walk unhindered upon a path others have cleared for them.
Copyright © Tom Zawacki 2006
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[For anyone curious, I did see the chiropractor & received another adjustment but he recommended I see my MD and have my kidneys checked. Oh joy, oh bliss]
Okay, so I read your blogs a week or so at a time.
ReplyDeleteYou are singing my song. I rather live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, than be filled with anything else. Because of how the Holy Spirit causes us to be different, the world knows no other response than to regect, condem, or judge us.
The only surprise is where it is that the world shows up.