free in Free
My dad is taking me to Ireland. We leave in 34 days. I’m not going to have to pay for anything. I’m going for free. My father is paying for all of it. If you know the history of our relationship you may understand more deeply what an incredible journey it has been and Ireland will be.
But what gets me the most is how much more it expresses Christ. I should have to pay for something—airline tickets, lodging, dinner one night–something. No, my dad is paying it. Honestly, it is hard to accept. I resist the urge to work for it or towards it. At times I am I’m anxious about others perceptions of the gift that is being given to me. Will they be jealous? Will they rejoice with me? I don’t know. All I know is that we’re going to Ireland. We are going to make memories. And they will be good.
If you’ve been a reader long, you know that I am on this journey of learning how to express Christ with my brothers and sisters in Him. It’s been so great! Often we talk of the freedom we have found in Christ. We are finding that we are free to just be, rather than work at or after something. We are learning to accept the gift of Life that has been given to us—however it shows itself on a daily basis.
We are free in Free. He set us free from the law of sin and death. Upon His resurrection from the grave He became Free and as such—gives and gives and gives to us this same freedom He possesses. Truth is—in Christ I am free to do anything. There is no guilt in life—this is the power of Christ in me. Some of you do not agree with this statement but let me continue.
In I Corinthians 6:12 and 10:23, Paul addresses the Corinthian church’s idea of freedom. Basically their philosophy is “I’m free—I can do anything” and while Paul says that is true he also reminds them not everything is beneficial or constructive. He reminds them that God is a jealous God and we do not need to test him and Paul reminds them (us) that thinking of ourselves before others does not express Christ.
In this freedom I can participate in things that bring Life or things that bring death. And once Christ gives you a taste of Him and His Life, I’d venture to say you no longer desire to feast on activities that bring death but rather you crave Life. You crave Christ.
This is being free in Free. There is nothing to do but accept the gift of Life offered to you. And experience it. Go on the journey. It’s definitely and adventure and the Father has paid for all of it. No airline tickets, no hotel costs. He’ll even give you souvenirs. Your only responsibility is to enjoy it. All of the unsearchable riches of Christ are yours to explore and enjoy.
How’s that sound? I don’t know about you, but I’m excited!
Sister,
What a great post! In the past, I might have been jealous of your trip to Ireland. Now that we are being built together in community with Christ, however, in a way we are going with you:) As a result, I’m not jealous. As you share in this lavish gift from the Father to you, we’ll actually share in it right along with you!
Heather,
Thank you for your beautiful expression of Christ here. I’m still soaking it in. Thank you Jesus that we can just be in you and enjoy the gift that in from the Father- You’re life .
“How’s that sound?” >> Sounds great Heather!
Praying that you’ll have a wonderful time with your (D)dads in Ireland!
Brothers! Thanks for the encouragement!
As a dad I can relate to the father daughter scenario, and your situation is really cool, enjoy, drink in of the gift from your father/Father.
Your post is a great example of freedom, grace and living, all of which are incredible gifts, paid for in advance.
Enjoy your trip!