Ponder This: What freedoms in your life do you most often take for granted, and how can you begin to use them to serve God and bless others?
Scripture To Consider: It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. -Psalm 112:5
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Tom's Response:
I grew up on a 60-acre horse farm in Ocala, FL. At a young age, I had the freedom to use the fence's height to jump onto a horse's back and ride bareback throughout the property. I could go explore the caverns that abutted our property. I learned to mow the lawn on a riding lawn mower and then the tractor in the fields. FYI, mowing is pure freedom, whether you're 10 or 80. We also had a lake house nearby. I could take the boat and go fishing by myself before the sun came up. My brother and I taught ourselves to barefoot off a kneeboard, and we loved gator-shining at night. I had the freedom to experience the outdoors.
I've shared before that God and the outdoors go hand in hand. I find myself in nature, thanking, praising, and worshiping God without saying a thing. When my family vacations, I do my best to get a fishing rod in their hands and put them on an uncrowded beach or at a place where we can take hikes. If we can see animals, it's a bonus. I believe these experiences help a person's kindness. I believe the outdoors gives you peace. Psalm 96:11-12: "Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy." I believe when you are full of peace and joy, you have a greater ability to positively affect those around you. Peace frees you up to help others.
Karen's Response:
As Independence Day approaches, it is the perfect time to reflect on the many freedoms I take for granted in my life. Freedom to gather and worship, freedom to run my own faith-based business, freedom of speech and press, freedom to volunteer and give, and free access to information. Of course, the ultimate freedom is my freedom from my sin and shame. Through Jesus, I have the ultimate freedom that can never be taken away. Freedom is a beautiful gift, but this question reminds me that with the freedom I am given, I need to be responsible.
Galatians 5:13 speaks about our freedom and how we should use it, saying, "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."
First and foremost, I need to appreciate the freedoms I have been given. Coming from a posture of gratitude for them, instead of a posture of expectation. When I notice a freedom, I should speak about it and give thanks for it, so that my family or those around me will also feel its blessing. So many around the world do not have the luxury of freedom in their countries, and I want to be aware and be praying for them.
In my daily life, I also hope to use my freedom of speech and freedom of press to serve God and bless others. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Recently, I wrote a blog about how much words matter. How they echo long after they are said (or written). The freedom of speech has power. So, whether friend or foe, religious or political, in debate or conversation, or in response to a post, I want the words I share to be encouraging and life-building.
