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Are you really free?


"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who ask you to give a reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15)

This series of blogs tries to serve two purposes; it gives an answer to those asking and gives a way for those being asked to frame an answer. It's for the one asking and the one being asked.

I'm trying to write it in a conversational way because it seems that's where questions are asked. The answers given are incomplete but are heading in the direction of Jesus. I would fully expect and hope that the questioner would respond to what's said and call me on things I've gotten wrong with what they're said. That's the sort of conversation I love. That's the sort of conversation I miss.

So, here's this weeks statement:


"I would never become a Christian because... I love the freedom I have and wouldn't want to give it up."

This barrier to faith in Jesus believes the Christian life is restrictive. It restricts our fun and freedom to live life the way we want. This challenge to Jesus also believes 'living the way we want' is the road to our greatest happiness and fulfilment. Those who think this way are both right and wrong. Here's how I might answer:


"I suppose looking in from the outside the Christian life is restrictive. In the same way as looking into marriage can seem restrictive if you're not married.

And you're right- The truth that I (and every Christian) live under is -Jesus is Lord. We have a King over our lives.

But that's no different from everyone else. Everyone lives under a king. Here's what I mean: there's something or someone that directs/dictates the choices of your life (and everyone's life). Our choices and behaviours are directed by certain beliefs and desires. In other words, we do certain things because we believe they will bring us the meaning, the joy and the satisfaction we long for. And we restrict ourselves from certain behaviours and places because we don't believe happiness is found there.


Happiness is defined by our king.


Let me give you a few examples of what I mean.



If happiness for you is sporting success or fitness, you will eat certain foods and train hard. Your life will seem restrictive to someone else but you are driven by your desire to succeed to be the best you can be. After a hard training session you will collapse feeling satisfied with your PB or the score line. Or you'll be gutted if it hasn't been good enough. Your king can be unforgiving and will heap guilt upon you for eating that extra biscuit or missing your training. Training can be punishing (especially if you walk/run/cycle these hills around Dromara) and success fleeting.


Or


If happiness for you is found in popularity, that will lead you to crave others attention. And you will do whatever it takes to win the approval of your group of friends or those you admire. You're not living under freedom, you're living under the gaze of others. Their attitude, dictates the choices you make. What will they think? What will they say? Becomes the chains that enslave you. This king has the power to raise you up and knock you down. It can embarrass and shame you.


So we're not as free as we think we are. Our freedom is an illusion. We all give allegiance to someone or something. The question then becomes does it give us the joy and satisfaction we long for? Or is it all-demanding with no mercy? Jesus is the forgiving King that offers rest and not shame. Here's what he says:


That's the king I live under. What's your king like?



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