Freedom in Christ

via TJC

My first mental image of Freedom in Christ was Revelation 19:11-16, with Jesus returning on His white horse, with the final victory where every knee shall bow and tongue acknowledge Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).  Thoughtful reflection caused me to dig deeper and ask about today, where I live, in America, in 2026, how does He provides freedom and a slice of heaven on earth?

For half a century I demanded control in my life.  Fought for respect.  I was chained to the toil of earning one more dollar, grinding through one more achievement or certification only to stare at the next rung of the corporate ladder.  Focusing my time and energy on finding the next rush of adrenaline or dopamine, only to find it transient. No job provided enough achievement.  No relationship provided the love, respect and security necessary to fill my heart and the hole in my soul.  I was chained and shackled to demons that stole any warmth and joy in my life.  They destroyed any rest and sleep with endless tapes of my failures and transgressions replaying in the dark of night.   They lured me away from the priceless time of my children’s youth as I perused the next promotion in an attempt to be a provider.  

My freedom came when Jesus removed Legion from my life (Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39).  I am beginning to understand now, I was a crazy man, and accepting Him as my savior gave me freedom as a man to live, laugh, love and build an eternal relationship with my Creator.  

Two tasks for you and Kingdom men today.  Pause and reflect on the freedom of having eyes to see the colors, smiles and light around you;  ears to hear the laughter and the wind; the freedom of your mind in knowing the endless toil of that next experience is unnecessary and He is enough.  Look into your heart and feel the unconditional love and warmth of the Holy Spirit.

Most of all, celebrate the freedom of opening your hands to serve Him, selected as a warrior to fight the next battle to bring light and love to another person, and lead the way for family and friends to join the ranks of His army on His return.