God Has Give us the Liberty to be Holy

The word freedom and liberty are very popular words not only in American culture but in the Bible as well. In America we have read about acts of bravery that have brought about freedom, such as the Civil Rights Movement. We pride ourselves as Americans with our freedom and rightfully so. American history shows the bravery of many men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. For that I am grateful. We know as Christians that Jesus paid the ultimate price by humbling Himself and dying for all of our sins.

My only concern with this liberty and freedom I speak of is how I believe it has negatively impacted the Christian movement in America. It's like we don't know what to do with this abundance and freedom except to run wild. When was the last time TBN or your church highlighted someone who abstained from sex before marriage, is not a recovering alcoholic or drug addict and never struggled with pornography. I'm not suggesting we shouldn't celebrate how thousands have overcome their struggles and have been set free from the bondage of sin. How could I, I'm one of them. But what about those who have maintained this pursuit of holiness without the major stumbling blocks. I know we all have our issues but where is this freedom God has promised us in His Word?

I believe God has given every born again believer the ability to pursue holiness. John 10:10 tells us that God has given believers life more abundantly. So in reality it is the Christian who can truthfully say I am FREE!!! Yet, it seems to be a difficult task to maintain this abundant life here on the earth.

I believe there are several reasons why we haven't seen this liberty to be holy take precedence in the body of Christ.

1. When one of us goes the wrong route we are quick to give the devil the credit. I am not saying he is not a powerful weapon and wants to destroy us because the Bible tells us. I'm saying, if we say the devil made me do it, we then take personal responsibility out of the equation.
2. Many Christians confuse the freedom we have in Jesus with democracy. God meant every word in His Scripture and it is His way or the highway. We must come in line with His word and purpose for our lives even if it means we must suffer for it.
3. Holiness has not been taught, probably because we don't really know how to teach it (I speak for myself). My suggestion is to teach what Jesus taught.
4. Teaching holiness will not please the faces. Out of fear of offending others we opt out of telling them the truth about the true freedom that can be attained through a life of holiness.

In closing I want to highlight that I am writing the very thoughts I think toward myself. I am in pursuit of knowing how to get this message out without it sounding like I am passing judgment. The bottom line is God has given us the liberty to be holy. Lets try it!

Blake