Raising children is full of challenges. Among other things, it calls for wisdom, understanding, trust and nerves of steel.
In the earliest years of childhood, your children are always attended by caring and responsible adults. But at some point children are given freedom to be on their own. They may go to a store or library or some other place under their own recognizance.
Finally the day comes when you have used all of your wisdom, understanding, trust and nerves of steel to give your child permission to stay home alone. You are concerned about how he or she will use the new found freedom. Will your son or daughter exercise good judgment to be safe and secure? Or will he or she use this freedom to break rules and go beyond clearly set boundaries?
Jesus died on the cross to free us from sin, death, and the devil. Therefore, God has given us perfect freedom in Christ. We are free to serve God and our neighbors. As we prepare to celebrate the freedom we have in our country, it is good to stop and ask, “How do I use my freedom?”
May we learn the spiritual maturity to live freely as God’s children. When we fail to live up to our Heavenly Father’s expectations, may we confess our sins and return to His loving arms.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the freedom I have in Christ. Grant that I may live up to the trust you have placed in me. Amen.
For Martin Luther’s in depth thoughts on Christian Freedom,
God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus
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