JULY MEMORY VERSE
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
Freedom means many things to many people; the definition largely depends on the individual’s condition. To a person recovering from an injury, freedom may mean having no pain; to a student, it can mean graduation; to a prisoner, it can mean release from incarceration; to a Ukrainian citizen today, it can mean relief from the merciless onslaught of their aggressors. Various things to various people!
As Americans, we recently celebrated our Independence Day commemorating this nation’s birth, a birth forged following a brutal war against Britain. Many brave people fought and endured hardships to secure this victory over oppression. Their sacrifices have not been forgotten and the subsequent freedoms are cherished.
Similarly, Christ paid the ultimate price for our sins. He also sends the Holy Spirit to guide those who believe in Him. The Spirit enters our lives and leads us on the path to truth. Jesus told His disciples: “But when he, the spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 11:15).
To Christians, freedom is release from the burden of sin, allowing the promise of forgiveness and the assurance of eternal life to transform us. Once freed from the yoke of our transgressions, Christ gives us a mentor to guide us and help us resist the sinful ways of the world. He helps us live a life pleasing to our God. Nothing of this world can offer more hope, joy, or liberty.
We may struggle to resist the temptations around us. Yet, we have a wonderful sense of freedom—we know that by committing our lives to Christ and accepting Him as our Savior, we have a future in His kingdom for eternity. What could ever be more calming and freeing than this? Praise God for His love and the gift of the Holy Spirit!
by Ken Baldwin
