You’re Free!

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…Galatians 5:1

Try to imagine your life without expectations. Not just financial expectations, like what your projected salary in five years will be. Bigger than that. Much bigger. Like the expectations placed on “productive members of society”. Or the expectations you have for yourself as a good spouse. Or the expectations your parents have for you in order to be proud of who you are. Now, remove them. It may seem nearly impossible, but imagine yourself living in the pure, unadulterated identity of Christ, with His expectation only: “Be Free.”

I’m not suggesting we should drop out of high school and sit on the couch our whole lives, nor am I suggesting sin. Being free is not an excuse to sin, for you will only place yourself in bondage again. My conviction flows from a place of desiring to hear God’s voice more loudly than the others. What if His expectations for you are more important than the expectations of those around you? Would you be working the job you’re in? Would you have gotten your degree in something else? Would you have gotten a degree at all? Would you be more joyful? Would you be more confident? Would you be so stressed? Where would you be living? Who would you be noticing? What would you be praying for?

You were crucified with Christ. You no longer live, Christ lives in you. Galatians 2:20 blows my mind. It seems there are many Christians walking around, already crucified and full of Christ, but trying to get back on the cross and reincarnate their old identity as a man or woman of the world. The Kingdom of Heaven is theirs, yet they feel anxiety about disappointing the world. The crucified Christ lives in their shell, yet they must make a life for themselves. They have an opportunity to store up loads and loads of riches in Heaven, but the riches of this Earth are their focus and concern. We are set free, yet we turn off our love from 9-5 and turn on a “me first” mentality. We have been given the greatest commission ever: “Go! Love People! Showcase my power! Tell them how much I love them! Share the greatest love story and don’t forget the ending! I’m coming soon! Can’t wait to spend eternity with you, My Bride!” We have been told we will always be provided for, always be loved, always be clothed, and never have to worry. Wow, that sounds like a dream! But, it’s our reality, as Believers. Yet, we choose the world. Unreal.

Don’t wait another minute. Is the Lord inviting you overseas to love someone you haven’t met yet? Go! Quit your job tomorrow, I dare you. Whatever He’s invited you to, consider how amazing saying yes would be, rather than worrying about the unknowns.  Ask Him what His best is. Decide to find out for yourself if it’s really He who has been providing for you all along, or if you’re actually responsible for yourself. Return to your First Love, obey Him. Realize that you’re dead and start really living. Smile at the wise of the world and pray for their salvation, rather than requesting their opinion; it will never be more important than the opinion of the God of the universe. Trust Him.