God wants us to decide for Him. This requires a spiritual dynamic, a stated will to change. District Apostle Mark Woll from Canada offers some thoughts on the annual motto.
The Canada District Church includes 11 countries in Africa and Asia, to which I continually travel. I can safely state that no matter where people live and under what conditions, freedom is what people want. Often they are willing to pay a price that we cannot even imagine. I think about the thousands of refugees willing to sacrifice their lives for the freedoms which we so readily enjoy.
Freedom is defined as “the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint”. It is interesting that this natural freedom, if unchecked, can also lead to the complete opposite which is imprisonment. The evil one also tells us to act and speak as we please. However, we know that can lead us into trouble.
The Chief Apostle refers to “Christ makes free” as a spiritual dynamic. A spiritual dynamic is a force that stimulates change or progress within a process. The force is Christ working on our true freedom (liberty) through the Holy Spirit. He will produce a wonderful change in us if we allow Him to. We must want this freedom. How much we truly want this freedom will be reflected in our efforts.
The Holy Spirit leads, guides, and teaches us to make good decisions that keep us from the bondage of guilt, fear, regret, irreconcilability, and a host of other prisons. How liberating is it to have our sins forgiven, to be at peace, to love, and be loved, to have joy, to trust and have confidence in the future—without fear. This is possible if we choose to adhere to the gospel of Christ and the impulses of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded in 2 Timothy 1: 7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” We are free to follow the gospel of Jesus Christ, free to serve our triune God and neighbour.
Indeed, Christ makes free.
Photo: NAC Canada