NorthStar Community Daily Devotional

May 10

Scripture focus: Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. Galatians 5:1 The Message

As an image bearer of God, we are created in love by a loving God. Our authentic self is destined for love. Freedom of will to choose this life – without manipulation – delights our heavenly Father. This kind of love forms our deepest desire.

Our youngest son is far away in college. He can do anything he darn well pleases and as long as he doesn’t get arrested, declared academically ineligible, end up on the cover of People magazine or in a YouTube video (I have heard rumors he is on Tom Green’s website having a snowball fight one snowy winter night in Nashville after a show.), we (his parents) would not have a clue.

Two weekends ago he called to ask us if it was ok to go visit his girlfriend; last weekend he called to ask about driving down to Birmingham for a folk festival. Technically, he doesn’t need to do this. He’s a young man who has resources and the freedom to choose.

Why does he call us? Is it really to get our permission? Or is it because he is free?

Freedom allows us to choose whether or not we love God, self and others. When a nineteen year old son continues to respect his parents by allowing them entry into his life story, even when he doesn’t have to – that is a beautiful love relationship.

True love is never enslaving; it is open. But there is a powerful force at work against this kind of love. More on that tomorrow.


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