This is How It Feels to be Free

On my mind the past few weeks has been the topic of Christian liberty. I am not just talking about the "true freedom we have found in Christ" but also the ability to analyze scripture and apply it to my own life as the Spirit directs.

My intent of this note, is not to give a list or a lengthy diatribe of what is ok and what is not.

Scripture tells us clearly that after we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells within us encouraging us unto righteousness. How does this come into play in regards to Christian liberty?

The spirit works within us in order to refine us into more Christ like beings. As we progress through life, studying scripture and listening to the Spirits prompting, we realize that some things we are doing are wrong. Sometimes the Spirit prompts us that something is NOT wrong that we once considered wrong.

What should our response be to people who have differences from our "standards."

One word: Grace.

Not everyone will agree completely with us but we won't ever completely agree with everyone either, however, we must be gracious. Without getting into much detail in this note, (you can find details in A PersonalExodus and other posts), the way I was raised and brought up, was much more conservative religiously than I am now. The ultimate question though is how to respond to people who take that more conservative stance.

There are two types of people who take more conservative stances than I do. The first are those who believe that what they believe has a scriptural backing and there is no wiggle room.

The second are those who hold conservative standards that they believe have Biblical basis but realize that Scripture can be interpreted different ways.

Certain things are non-negotiable, like the doctrines of the creation of the universe by God, the virgin birth, and the perfection of a Holy God, but when it comes to things like Christian living, other than pursuing the Holiness of God, there is leeway.

With the first group of people, we can only pray that God would soften hardened hearts. This first group is the group who refuses to associate with anyone who is different than they are standard wise. Typically this group places standards on the same level as doctrine, and unfortunately often links standards with your status with God.

The second group is a wonderful group. I find much in common with these people because I was one of them.  These folks realize that is scripture does not clearly specify something, there is flexibility.

This group is a group that I believe have truly found freedom in Christ. They have realized that there is no set list of rules and regulations, but rather the leading of the Spirit influencing us unto righteousness. Is there anything wrong in holding a stricter standard than is biblically necessary? Not one bit. It all comes down to different standards. Perhaps being so different will actually encourage more people to come to Christ.

My only caution is to never elevate a personal conviction to the status of scripture. If we are truly free in Christ, we have also been freed from man's debauchery of scripture.  

As big as being free from the bondage of sin is, finding true freedom in Christ includes more than just that. It includes being free from any type of religious influence, denominational bias, and fanatical religious leaders. True freedom in Christ only achieved by being completely sold out to God and being totally dedicated to the study of Scripture.  Only those who have found true freedom in Christ can truly live the Radical Life.