What exactly does that mean? Free man. Nobody to tie you down? No responsibilities? Hey, I'm a Christian; I serve a lot at my church. I have people and responsibilities in my life, but in 1 Peter 2:16 God says to live like a free man. Love the concept, but the execution is completely blurred.
Well, I have been trying to really read and understand God's Word and I got presented with 1 Peter. Today I read chapters 1&2 and that was enough to get the wheels in my head rolling. When I came across 1 Peter 2:16, I felt this sense of freedom. Let me type the verse out for you:
1 Peter 2:16- Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
I read this and I was told I did not have to do what the world told me I should. I was free to make a decision. I am no longer a bond servant to this world! I have been set free by the God who conquered death. See, Peter reminds us in verse 4 that men rejected us but God chose us and we are precious to Him. Verse 9 says that amoung being chosen God made us a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people belonging to Him. How much more love, honor, and care do you need before feeling special? I do not know about you, but after reading that I feel like saying "forget you world, God made me a rags to riches story"! But the world does not see it like that, and we let them convince us that we still are in rags.
Once I get in this mindset, I am all about trying to figure out what it is I need to do that will make me look better in the eyes of men. What is it they expect me to do? What are they telling me to do? And then all of a sudden I wonder where my freedom went. Am I not suppose to be a free man (woman)? Getting caught up in the world's ways is depressing and frustrating. There is no joy or happiness. While it may seem to appear for a time, the special feelings will go away leaving a numbing pain of regret.
Isaiah wrote All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever (Isaiah 40:6-8). How depressing is that? I'm going to die and all the hard work I put in to my life will eventually be forgotten. Sobering is it not? But the last part is what is comforting. God's word stands forever! It will not be forgotten! No matter how hard people have tried to destoy and oppress God, His word, and His people; God will always prevail. All of this oppression shows the strength of the faith God provided His people. This is where our freedom is expressed.
The world, with all of their efforts, will be forgotten. What can we gain by chasing our own affairs and ideas? When we chase after God's will, we can make a difference that affects eternity. No longer a bond servant for the world but a warrior for the only one who will be remembered throughout time! I do not have to be the most successful in my job if it is what calls me away from my work for God. I do not have to have the nicest things if the money is suppose to being going to people who need food or a house to survive. I do not need to be dating, drinking, or drugged to have a good time. You see I was chosen by the One who created everything. If He specifically chose me I think I'll spend some more time doing what He planned for me rather than conforming to the standards the world thinks will bring success.
Jeremiah 29:11 people!
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