"So, if the Son sets you free, you will be be free indeed"
John 8:36
Alright, I am free! He saved me! But wait... what now? What do I do with this freedom He gave me?
I had a very interesting conversation with another 20 something Christian the other day, and we were both wondering how to lead a "normal" & Christian life with all the temptations around us. We both knew that we were saved, but does that give us the right to do anything we want? We were interrupted before we could reach a conclusion, but the conversation took an interesting turn when we both agreed that we needed to use caution when making certain decisions. For instance, I used to think that drinking to oblivion with my "friends" was the best way to spend my weekends. I really didn't need to be a Christian to realize how crazy that last statement was, all I needed was common sense...
For a while there, I didn't know what to do with my new found freedom. I knew I didn't want to return to my old ways, but I had no idea of what to do next... I didn't want to abuse it, or worse NOT use it at all! This all changed the first time I went to our food pantry one Thursday morning. I finally used my freedom, and became a servant... what a concept! Choosing to become a servant? Choosing to serve Him? To serve others? Something happened that Thursday morning, as I was washing plate, after plate, or simply listening to people. He has shown me several other ways to serve Him since that day, but I always refer to this experience to explain how I understood the meaning of freedom. I think King David described it best in Psalm 119:45
"I will walk in freedom for I have devoted myself to Your commandments"
EED
John 8:36
Alright, I am free! He saved me! But wait... what now? What do I do with this freedom He gave me?
I had a very interesting conversation with another 20 something Christian the other day, and we were both wondering how to lead a "normal" & Christian life with all the temptations around us. We both knew that we were saved, but does that give us the right to do anything we want? We were interrupted before we could reach a conclusion, but the conversation took an interesting turn when we both agreed that we needed to use caution when making certain decisions. For instance, I used to think that drinking to oblivion with my "friends" was the best way to spend my weekends. I really didn't need to be a Christian to realize how crazy that last statement was, all I needed was common sense...
For a while there, I didn't know what to do with my new found freedom. I knew I didn't want to return to my old ways, but I had no idea of what to do next... I didn't want to abuse it, or worse NOT use it at all! This all changed the first time I went to our food pantry one Thursday morning. I finally used my freedom, and became a servant... what a concept! Choosing to become a servant? Choosing to serve Him? To serve others? Something happened that Thursday morning, as I was washing plate, after plate, or simply listening to people. He has shown me several other ways to serve Him since that day, but I always refer to this experience to explain how I understood the meaning of freedom. I think King David described it best in Psalm 119:45
"I will walk in freedom for I have devoted myself to Your commandments"
EED
3 comments:
Interesting thought...the normal Christian life. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just live a normal life. Or would it?
I have not read it in a while, but there is a pretty serious book titled "The Normal Christian life" writen by a Chinese law student (W. Nee) who became a disciple of God and affected millions by what he wrote that set people free.
Hmm..eternal student, makes me wonder about the disciple/student/apprentice aspect of the "normal" christian life.
Elom, you have really got me pondering here.
The Normal Christian Life, wathcman nee (for free!!)
No obligation Elom. If this helps great, if not move on!
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/nee/normal.v.html
Brad!
For free? I love free stuff!!!!! I was about to check the library, but this is even better!
I am glad I have you pondering on some of the stuff. As a fellow ponderer, I spent a lot of time thinking about some of these things, and then I write them down, or talk to people...
Let me know if you can think of any other books on the topic, or any other topic really.
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