Let Freedom Ring
Posted By Tammie on July 4, 2010
“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.” Galatians 5:1
“Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!” 
These words, spoken by Martin Luther King, have been familiar throughout America for over 40 years. They are some of the most powerful words portraying the stand and the emotions of a human being. Webster defines freedom as the condition of being free of restraints…liberation from slavery or from the power of another.
So often we find that we are held in bondage. For some it is an attitude of the heart; for some, an old habit that will not die; for others it is that they have yet to find the Truth of Jesus Christ. “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.” Freedom from the power of sin; freedom from the influences that surround us, freedom from the evil one who wants nothing better than to silence us. Scripture tells us that we are free in Christ (John 8:31-32). 
And if Christ has set us free, are our words and actions ringing loudly? Are we boasting in the One who empowers us through the Holy Spirit? (Acts 1:8) Are we portraying our freedom through righteousness (Romans 6:18)?
Freedom to live in the Spirit; Freedom to speak boldly of your faith; Freedom to tell others about the saving grace of Jesus; Freedom to overcome evil; Freedom to resist the world; Freedom to proclaim the promises of God; Freedom to stand firm under the pressures of the world; Freedom to shout from the rooftops “Jesus Is Lord”. Freedom that comes only when you relinquish your desires to God; when you fall to your knees at the cross; when you say “not my will but Yours.” This is a freedom that can only be found in Christ (John 8:36). 
Oh, what freedom! What a glorious day it will be when all those in Christ will Let Freedom Ring!
While preparing for this evening’s start of a six-week small group study based on Erwin McManus’ Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul (great book, but the way!), I was looking at Galatians 5:13 last night. In the NLT it is translated, “For you have been called to live in freedom–not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love.” That sure doesn’t look like what our culture teaches us is freedom. How could freedom come from giving up our desires, yielding our passion?!? It sounds dull, but is just the opposite! It’s not about sublimation, but transformation! Thank you for being an example of the joyful passion found in true freedom!
Freedom is a wonderful thing! I must admit there are days I feel like I’m in chains. But praise God that He is my constant reminder that I am forgiven.