Choosing Freedom

As I approach my 50’s I’ve discovered a propensity for the safe and comfortable. It’s like a gravitational pull upon my soul. I guess it’s natural and maybe that’s the problem. It’s natural to seek out what is safe and comfortable. After all, most of us work long and hard all our lives to attain a certain station in life, one that is... well, both safe and comfortable.

Change is uncomfortable and rarely feels safe. It’s part of the reason why traditions and rituals easily find their way into our Christian experience. Bondage is easy, do nothing, take no risks and allow nature to take it’s course. Freedom is hard, it requires effort, it takes work, it’s a choice or more accurately a series of choices.

In the past I’ve felt challenged by God to “not camp here but take the high risk options”; to not camp where it’s safe, comfortable and familiar. Instead, I’m to make risky decisions as I walk out my faith and lead my church. I’m discovering that there is a continual nature to this challenge. Oh that it was only a one time decision, but it’s not. If I truly mean what I say, that I want to Explore the Fullness of Freedom… and live it, It’ll require that I embrace a lifestyle of risks, one that rejects the safe and comfortable resisting their incredible pull upon my soul.

I'm not surprised to find that Jesus comprehended all of this very well. In Matthew 12:25 he said:

“…anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal.” (The Message)

Father, again, one more time, this day, I let go... reckless in love. I choose the high risk option. Give me the grace I need to resist the incredible pull of all that is safe and comfortable. I do want to live the fullness of freedom, please Lord, help me to do it, amen.

© Tom Zawacki 2006

Artist Credit “Leap of Faith” by David Costello.

(For the artist’s description of this piece, please click here.)