OUR FREEDOM REFLECTS ON GOD. 1st Peter 2:16 . Even in totalitarian societies, we are free to choose our actions. However, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions. So, we are able to live as free people, but we are not free to use our freedom to excuse ourselves from our obligations. We are free from the bondage and domination of sin to live holy and righteous lives in obedience to our Lord, not to our own will. We are free to serve our Supreme Master, and we do so when we submit to His delegated authority. Believers are free from sin and free to live according to the law of love. The people of Jerusalem, when our Lord was here, were free to receive Him or reject Him. They chose to reject Him and suffered the consequences [Mat. 22:37-40]. Living as free people does not give us the right to rebel against authority. Our freedom in Christ is not an excuse or a “cover-up” to do evil. We can use our freedom in Christ as a motive to live openly for Him and serve Him. The freedom we have in Him is the foundation for living to our highest potential.
Our freedom from guilt and humanly designed religious rules allows us to seek to do our best for God and His glory. Instead of trying to satisfy ourselves, our freedom in Christ opens the way for us to experience His power working through us, His love demonstrated in us, and holy joy expressed by us. We are privileged to be His servants. Freedom in Christ is never meant to cover evil but rather to express and display righteousness. Freedom and responsibility balance each other. Evidence of true submission to God's will is a Christ-like attitude shown to all people.
Our freedom in Christ does not make us free agents to do our own will, but we are free to follow our Lord. It is not our role to organize opposition against the government or to promote rallies to protest things with which we do not agree. Public protests are held when the will of the governed is pitted against the will of those who govern. Those who understand who we are in Christ can have a more lasting influence through Christ-like living in submission to those who rule and by showing proper respect to everyone, including rulers. Demonstrating submission may seem like weakness at first, but ultimately it is evidence of our true Christian commitment.
Being bondservants (slaves) of God is not drudgery but rather a calling of the highest privilege, far beyond being called to be a cabinet minister of a president or a representative of a human ruler. “A cloak of maliciousness” is an excuse to plan or actually do what is wrong. A bondservant of God is responsible for displaying the righteousness of God in human form to those in authority as well as those under authority.
Waking moments convey a message through my facial expressions. First words reveal an attitude more than they provide information. Early-morning actions leave an impression on others – Is the beginning of each day a good reflection on my Lord? Choices are made in the morning about what needs to be done. Careful or careless consideration happens before leaving home. I am free to act and choose, whether something is right or too much bother. Are the things I do each day a good reflection on the one I serve?
God chose me to be His servant, to do what He has planned. It is important that my service pleases Him, not what pleases man. From morning to night, I must be guided in everything by His Word – Are the things I have already done reflecting well upon my Lord? It would be inappropriate – let alone very unwise – for me to act independently, living only before men’s eyes – For each attitude and action, each thing both seen and heard – is bound to leave an impression or reflection on my God.