Free Indeed!

Following a week of working with the Senior Teen Session at Delano Bay Christian Camp, as I was driving home yesterday afternoon the stickers on a car caught my attention. Though there were several, I was only able to read two. The first read, "SUBHUMAN", and the second, "GOD FREE YOUTH". It is not always clear what is behind some bumper stickers, but when I saw these two together it got my mind going. Since I was traveling near a navy base, it is very possible the "subhuman" sticker was simply referring to a human who works on a sub (submarine). However, after reading the second sticker my mind began to link the two concepts together.

Often the excuse is given when a mistake is made, "I'm only human." It is true we are human beings. However, since we were created in the image of God ( Genesis 1:26-27) and God's desire is for that Divine essence to be renewed in us, could we not say that to live a life unlinked to God and devoid of GODLINESS would be "subhuman" (less than human)? It is less than that for which He created us!

Remember Peter's statement we noted recently where we read . .
"(3) HIS DIVINE POWER has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, (4) by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them YOU MAY BECOME PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." ( 2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)

Rather than "subhuman", God desires to elevate our lives to share His glorious essence. In Christ the means for such transformation ( 2 Corinthians 3:18) has been made possible if we will accept God's Word and allow Him to do His marvelous work in and through us. To live a "GOD FREE" life would therefore be "subhuman."

Like some who witnessed Jesus during His walk on earth, there are still many today who think they are free, not realizing how enslaved they actually are. (see John 8:33) They are enslaved by the world, the flesh, by sin, their jobs, their guilt, and a myriad of other things. We need to add a comma and make it our prayer, saying, "GOD, FREE YOUTH" (and men and women as well) around the world. May they all begin to see how enslaved they are and turn to the Lord so they may truly be free. ( John 8:32) It is GODLINESS, NOT GODLESSNESS that brings true freedom; from fear of death, guilt from sin, the wrath of God, despair, etc.

Jesus said . . .
"(36) SO IF THE SON SETS YOU FREE, YOU WILL BE FREE INDEED." ( John 8:36 ESV)

In Christ is found the greatest freedom we could ever experience. In Him we are enabled to escape and break free from the corruption of this world. Praise God for setting us free to share that for which He created us.

Have a great day APPRECIATING THE TRUE FREEDOM THAT IS OURS IN CHRIST!
Carl

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