Read:
“For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.” 1 Peter 2:16 NLT
Today’s Encouragement about Freedom:
As we begin the New Year, let’s begin by looking at our freedom as Christians. Here are some common saying in our world today; “My life choices are my concern”, or “how I live it is nobody else’s business.” Many believe that their actions are not causing harm to anyone. These words, repeated like a rhythmic mantra, resonate deeply with the younger generation, a comforting and empowering feeling. Even as Christians, we can fall into the subtle trap of minimizing actions that don’t cause immediate harm, believing they’re inconsequential. We often forget that the gift of freedom carries with it the weight of responsibility, a burden we must bear.
In today’s verse, Peter reminds us that as Christians, we need to take responsibility for how our actions affect those around us; the weight of this responsibility hangs heavy in the air like the scent of incense. That includes any activities that are not considered sins. For example, some of the TV shows I watch—the ones with fast-paced plots and over-the-top characters—might fall into this category.
Yellowstone is a show I like; its intense plot and beautiful cinematography didn’t cause me any wrongdoing. If I get a friend hooked on that show and they mirror the wildly inappropriate actions of the characters, that’s on me. My acceptance of the show’s behaviors, if it leads to their sin, constitutes an abuse of my Christian freedoms.
We hold our freedoms dear, but we cannot let them become a weapon to justify our disregard for the feelings and well-being of others. As they say in the military; freedom is never free. Our actions might hurt someone else.
Prayer About Freedom:
Beloved Jesus. Let me always be mindful of how I use my personal freedoms, remembering the responsibilities that come with them and striving to use them in a way that benefits others as well as myself. Help me understand how my behavior influences those around me, so I can act with greater consideration and empathy. Thank you for the freedom we feel each day, for your boundless love and unwavering support. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Reflect:
What habits do you have that might impact the Christian walk of those around you?
Connect About Freedom:
I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on this topic. Please share them in the comment section.
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Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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I am thankful for the freedom found in Christ. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Me too. Thank you Melissa
I am so thankful for the freedom we have as believers, especially the freedom to boldly be a light for those around us. I think about the music I listen to and the shows I watch and how that may affect my husband, our children, or anyone else around me.
Thank you. We are blessed with so many freedoms but, like you said, must be aware of all we do. God bless Antonisha.
Yvonne, you’ve reminded us how our actions strongly impact those around us. We have the ability to positively or negatively influence the actions of others. As Christians, we are called to spread the Good News of Jesus, to show by our actions that Christ lives within us. I pray we will embrace that calling and others will know by our actions what it means to live and share the light of Jesus. Thank you for this encouraging message.
Thank you Katherine. It’s so easy to get caught up in living life that we forget our purpose is to live a life that reflects Christ in everything we do. God bless.
This is convicting! You’re right: “as Christians, we need to take responsibility for how our actions affect those around us.” I stopped listening to most secular music around my kids many years ago for precisely this reason… and now they recognize how immoral many of the lyrics are and reject it for this reason.
Good example Jessica. It’s so easy to think listening to secular music won’t do any harm but it can. Thank you and God bless.
Excellent insight, Yvonne. Your words mirror the Apostle Paul as well. We are responsible with our freedoms. Love how you said, “We hold our freedoms dear, but we cannot let them become a weapon to justify our disregard for the feelings and well-being of others. As they say in the military; freedom is never free. Our actions might hurt someone else.”
Thank you Karen. We are responsible for how we use our freedoms. I appreciate you. God bless.
Thank you, Yvonne, for this thoughtful message about our freedom in Christ. May we walk like our Savior, with truth and compassion. God bless you and your family in 2025!
Thank you Melissa. Praying for God’s blessings for you and yours in this new year. ❤️