Seeking True Freedom
Matthew 24:4–13
"4 Jesus said to them in reply, “See that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and reports of wars; see that you are not alarmed, for these things must happen, but it will not yet be the end. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be famines and earthquakes from place to place. 8 All these are the beginning of the labor pains. 9 Then they will hand you over to persecution, and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of my name. 10 And then many will be led into sin; they will betray and hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will arise and deceive many; 12 and because of the increase of evildoing, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved."
So often people tend to become dramatic regarding the happenings in the world. We are all too ready to declare a new school of thought, a new hero, the next political savior, new ideologies, new systems. We are so involved in creating our own system to protect our particular interests. Christ warns us that these new saviors, these new prophets, are not of heaven; they are the spirit of the Evil One. The Lord goes on to warn that those who stand against the false prophets will be persecuted. He warns that those who give into these false teachings and follow these false prophets will grow cold in their love, falling slave to sin.
As our nation celebrates, this week, independence and the gift of freedom, let us truly be free.
"For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
Christ frees us from sin, do not be deceived to believe that your freedom, which we celebrate, is the right to become the arbiter of truth; it is Christ who is truth, himself. Do not be deceived, to give into the world's false prophecies, teachings, and moralities is to become again a slave to sin. Rather, endure and persevere to the end. It is those who persevere who will be saved. It is faithfulness to Christ that results in freedom. It is in righteousness that we find joy. It is in the Gospel of Christ that we find the purpose and fulfillment of our beings.
For freedom's sake, be FREE!