By Dr. Michael Guido

The word “freedom” carries with it the idea of being released from any restraints or not being bound by any regulations, rules, or requirements. Nearly everyone wants to live a life with no obligations, no opposition, or no oppression.

Yet, despite everything, all of life is wrapped with boundaries of one nature or another. Highways are divided by traffic lanes, stop signs, caution signs, turning lanes, and many other constraints. Every athletic contest or sporting event has specific lines, certain types of equipment or clothing, and regulations to control the activities and behaviors of the participants enforced by referees. Even something as simple as boiling water has specific criteria.

Rarely, if ever, do we pause to consider life’s limits. We take for granted the ability to move about at will, make independent choices, and manage our affairs. But does moving and choosing and managing make us free? Not really. Each of them moving, choosing, managing – has their limits. They all involve constraints in the final analysis. Where, then, do we find freedom?

Paul said, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” God, through Christ, offers us the priceless gift of living each day free from destroying ourselves and free to be and become who He has called us to be and do what He has created us to do. But we must follow His teachings we find in His Word and allow His Spirit to direct us along the path He has laid out for us. We will only be free if we accept Christ as our Savior and follow the teachings in His word.

PRAYER: Lord, may we understand the fact that we are not free if we are self-centered and controlled by sin. Enable us to understand and accept true freedom through Christ, Your Son, Amen.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY:  Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. – 2 Corinthians 3:17