Much of life is outside of our control. But God has also given us tremendous freedom. We have the freedom to live well regardless of our past, the feelings of others, and even the stories we tell ourselves.
Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash
Unfortunately, we don’t always live in the freedom we have.
All too often we let our past, others, and our own thoughts hold us back from living life to the full.
Free Past
Our past will always be there – always a part of our story. And while we cannot change what has happened, the past does not have to hold us back.
We are free to add to our story and become something more. The shame of what has passed does not have to rob us of all we are to become.
We are free to let our faith and not our past have the final word in our life.
Free Others
As relational beings, it’s easy to get sucked into the emotional vortex of others. Their thoughts, opinions, and feelings shape us in many ways, and not always for the good.
While we cannot thrive without others, we don’t have to let them rule our lives either.
We are free to have our own thoughts and opinions, and for others to have the same.
For example, we don’t have to convince others on the validity of our point of view. Nor do we have to conform to or desperately try to correct theirs.
We are free to stand on our own two feet relationally.
Free Self
Maybe the hardest place to practice freedom is within ourselves.
For as long as we can remember we have been telling ourselves a story about life and our role in it. And our interpretations have often gone unquestioned.
What is your private narrative? And does it invite you into a story of redeeming love in every area of your life?
We don’t have to let our stinking thinking dominate our lives.
We are free to think better thoughts and to tell ourselves a better story.
Freedom comes with a responsibility. It’s not a superficial luxury we can take or leave.
We must faithfully exercise our freedom to become all that God has for us.
Learn to grow in freedom with your past, others, and even your self. This frees us to bring more life and love into the world.
