Free To Do What Is Right

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. 1 Cor 15:33-34 NIV

Watching a television show the other night about the Civil War, I wondered if there were any women left with character like that of Harriet Tubman. Jeopardizing her own freedom, she helped to secure the freedom of multitudes. Of course, there are many women today who like her are willing to sacrifice their own lives so that others might have the opportunity to live freely and in peace. I even know some of them. But, I would be most comforted in seeing many more. So many, many people dedicated and continue to dedicate their whole lives so that all people might live in freedom. Yet, those sacrifices are often taken for granted by the very people who have received freedom through their efforts. The freedom that we have received is often frittered away on momentary sensual pleasures. It is wasted on worrying more about what makes one happy without any consideration that what we do may have devastating consequences for others.

Yes, we are free to do whatever we choose. But, why would anyone choose to become slaves to sin? Why would we choose to live lives that will only lead others astray? There are many who do!

But, we are free to be the  children of the most high God by the blood of Christ shed for us. He gives to us good and gracious gifts. We enjoy many freedoms in this world; in this country, because of the sacrifices others made for us. Would we throw it all back in the face of God and in the faces of those who gave their lives for our sake? 

Why choose slavery to sin, for the sake of some few worldly pleasures? Our freedom to be children of God cost Jesus his life. Our freedoms, including the freedom to worship God publicly, cost many men and women their lives.

May God help us to not be the bad company that helps to corrupts character; but, the light that shines in the darkness of night to lead God's children home.

God's Peace – Pr. J