What is True Freedom?

What Is True Freedom? So, since we're out from under the old tyranny, does that mean we can live any old way we want? Since we're free in the freedom of God, can we do anything that comes to mind? Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it's your last free act. But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you've let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you've started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom! Romans 6:15-18 MSG

What does Freedom mean to you? What do you think when you read this truth 'You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom.'? As I read it the Holy Spirit reminded me about times when I have done selfishly exactly what I wanted to do because I felt I had the freedom to do it. These selfish actions or words then resulted in pain for either myself or others. They certainly did not bring freedom and peace. In Galatians we are also reminded that our freedom in Christ is not an opportunity for selfishness.

For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another. For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is complied with in the one precept, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. Galatians 5:13-14 AMP

Thankfully, once again God has not left us alone to struggle in our own strength, trying to live as He wants us to live. It is hard to live an unselfish life when we all have fleshly desires that want to control us. But we also have the Holy Spirit, our permanent counsellor and helper. The one that Jesus said would come after Him to be with us always and teach us His ways.

But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. John 14:26 AMP

Question for today, are there actions and thoughts in your life that don't line up with the freedom Christ wants you to have? Repent and ask the Holy Spirit to help you to learn how to live with the freedom Jesus gives, in that area of your live. The Holy Spirit is there for you, your personal comforter, counsellor, helper, intercession, advocate, strengthener and standby! 

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). Galatians 5:16 AMP