For
you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an
opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole
law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But
if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one
another.
Galatians
5:13-15
True
Freedom is Spent on Others
Been
thinking about this recently, what does it mean to be truly "free"?
Being from Massachusetts originally, and now living back in New Hampshire after
a long stay in the Southeast, it comes to mind often. This is the land of Patriots
(not the football team, though go Pats!"), Minutemen, Paul Revere, Concord
and Lexington, and many battles for Independence. In Christ, the battle has been won, yet we
must walk in the position he purchased for us, not for our own benefits, though
there are many, but to bring the greatest of gifts to others. These brave souls back more than 300 years
ago didn't just fight for their own benefit, as many never realized them, but
their blood paid the price for what we now enjoy. We have to be mindful and
watchful so as not to lose so great a heritage that others paid the highest
price for. How much more shall we also give our lives for others in the context
of what God has done for them?
I've
spent a good portion of my life working with the brokenness of others, seeking
and collaborating with them, God and others for their release from the bondage
of many things, and I believe we are called to this, and yet it is not the
highest goal. Dr. Larry Crabb often writes on this as "First and Second
Things." As I look forward I want to continue the work he has for me as
far as being a counselor, yet I want to be more focused on their need, your
need to accept Christ's amazing gift that cost his life, not on the lesser
things that we all chase after thinking that this will be what finally makes me
.....I am not saying your present struggles don't matter, beloved they do
matter to me, to God, yet he desires your heart to seek him only, for us to
serve him to bring others, to have that type of camaraderie within the ranks
that this will be a sign to others, our love for one another, and pointing to
him.
Walk
in the freedom and the strength of our patriots and move out and take ground,
and defend that which we have inherited!!! It's not just about us
Cheryl
Laurenza, LCMHC, LPC, NCC
The
Refuge Counseling Center, LLC
155
Main Street
Salem,
NH 03079
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