Embracing True Freedom and Giving Witness
- Monica Walton
- Jul 4
- 6 min read
We are all free to share love, kindness, generosity, and compassion with others. When we do, it breaks the chains that hold us back from being who God made us to be. And the light of Christ shines and frees us from our burdens.
We have the great privilege to worship freely and openly.
We can pray alone or with others, in person or online, at any time of the day or night.
We are also free to not pray, to pray only when we are in a church, or when times are especially difficult and we are in great need.
We have the great privilege to live freely, however and wherever we wish.
We can live within our means, adhering to a tight budget and regimen of spending.
We also have the freedom to live above our means (given the numerous opportunities to buy on credit), or below our means (affording opportunities to save and share the excess).
How do we live these freedoms? What witness do we give by our lives?
Do we feel entitled, or do we show gratitude to God by our words and actions?
Our witness, expressed intentionally and viewed organically, can make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us. Even without knowing or planning, we do give witness by what we say or don't say and what we do or don't do. Our witness could be the glimmer of Light and Hope that inspires others to turn toward God rather than away from God.
We have some powerhouse examples of giving witness in the Readings this week. Some people used words of faith, then acted of their own accord. Others said words against God or did not speak, then acted in great Faith.
Last Sunday, we heard the witness of Saints Peter and Paul, two pillars who helped grow Christianity in the world. Both men lived in prisons (forced and self-imposed), but they also found True Freedom in Christ. Each had their moments of good intentions interrupted by saying — but first… Peter lived in a prison of fear throughout his journey of learning what it meant to follow Jesus. Often, his witness involved him acting out, speaking without thinking, and charging into situations, trying to control the outcome. When he was arrested and chained in a prison cell, the Lord freed him from those chains and guided him to True Freedom. Paul (Saul) spent years in a prison of self-righteousness when he was persecuting Christians. Upon encountering the Risen Christ, he was humbled and changed. Ananias witnessed to him, sharing God's Love and Mercy. While in prison, Paul wrote about God's peace, protection, and joy that he felt despite his circumstances. He had found True Freedom.
What must it have been like for Peter and Paul to adjust and overcome fear and self-righteousness? When have we succumbed to fear or acted out, telling ourselves we need to do better — but first…we want to set the record straight and justify our actions?
How often have we told Jesus, I give my life to You, Lord — but first…I'll wait until later or after this or that happens?
How often have we begged Jesus to help or heal us or a loved one — but first…we look for the outcomes as we envision them, rather than seeing what God is already doing?
On Wednesday, we heard two strong women respond to God differently. ~ Sarah laughed at God's plan, lied about her doubting, and acted of her own volition. (Gn 18:10-15) Later, she acted out her jealousy by punishing Hagar and her son. (Gn 21:10) ~ After being expelled by Sarah and Abraham, Hagar pleaded with God, saying, “Let me not watch to see the child die. Then God opened her eyes, and He was with the boy as he grew up.” (Gn 21:16, 19)
How often have we presented our prayer requests to God, saying we believe and trust in Him — but first…we start implementing our own plans instead of waiting for God's plan to unfold?
Yesterday, we heard Thomas come to the fullness of Faith. He wanted to believe Jesus had risen — but first…he said that he needed to see it with his own eyes. Jesus provided what Thomas desired. Then, Thomas exclaimed, “ My Lord and my God!” (John 20:24-29)
How often have we questioned the presence of Jesus and been too skeptical to take others' testimony, saying, your story is compelling — but first…I need some tangible proof?
How often has Jesus called us to follow Him, and we respond — but first…I need to finish college, get that promotion, start a family, etc?
How often have we said the prescribed prayers and followed the rules, but when it's time to welcome a stranger or celebrate another's achievements, we say — but first…notice the great things I have done and tell me why you are worthy?
How many times have we intended to do a good deed and give generously — but first…we have to save for a house, a car, or a vacation?
How often have we become self-righteous in our words and actions, planning to go deeper and be more holy — but first…we make our faith more about comparisons than relationships?
Do we tend to view God's Kingdom as coming later in Heaven, rather than "on Earth as it is in Heaven," as Jesus teaches? (Mt 6:9-15)
How often do we impose too much of our baggage into our relationships?
How often do we lose our spirit of Peace when discussing Religion, Politics, Sports, Social Norms, etc.?
How often do we think, 'I will share my love of the Lord with this person' — but first…I will tell them how and where they are misguided?
Prisons come in many shapes and sizes; they aren't only jail cells with locked doors and armed guards. We know our prisons by other names: unhealthy and controlling relationships; high-demand jobs and unemployment; cancer and debilitating illness; emotional strain, depression, mental illness; discrimination; addiction; loneliness; fear; pride; self-loathing; self-doubt.
What prisons are we living in?
Let us ask God to reveal our prisons and seek wise counsel to find True Freedom.
We can polish our prisons and wear them like a badge of honor.
We can camouflage our prisons and mask them with pride.
We can ignore our prisons and pretend they don't exist.
We can embellish our prisons and seek empathy from others.
We can shut everyone out and wallow in our prisons.
What witness do we provide from our prisons?
We can invite God into our prisons and allow Him to rescue us.
Loving God, we thank You for our independence. Help us inspire each other so that we may all embrace True Freedom in Your Son Jesus Christ, and give a genuine, joyful witness to our family, community, and world! Amen.
May we choose each day to live in communion with the Lord, sharing love, kindness, generosity, and compassion with others. True Freedom is found in God. To Him be glory forever and ever! Amen.
Happy Independence Day!!!
Jeremiah 30:8-9 — Yahweh breaks the yoke and snaps the chains of enslavement imposed by the external (foreign) oppressors so that Israel, the children of God, may serve not themselves nor the world, but Him...and Him wholeheartedly.
Great message. Miss you. Still a fan....