Read Reflect The idea that brackets this passage – that one should remain in the situation or place in life to which God has called him or her – has been used often and shamefully to justify actual slavery in former times, and effective racial, economic or social slavery to this very day. Powerful people […]
Read More slaves, love, freedomRead Reflect Very conservative Christians are notorious for their harsh judgment of those whose spiritual or moral (or, alas, political) convictions differ from their own. Perhaps their only rivals for prideful exclusivity are those very liberal Christians whose tolerance extends to everyone – except those whose convictions are rigorous and clearly defined. Paul points out […]
Read More judgment, rules, convictions, being right, freedomPaul is still thinking of those Corinthians – so proud of
their rights as Christians,
their superiority over lesser mortals,
their freedom to do as they pleased.
People often assume that “freedom” simply means being free to do whatever you choose, without any kind of restraint: “I can do whatever I want!” We know, however, that reality at every turn is framed by restrictions. A man cannot shoplift an iPhone just because he wants one but can’t afford it.
Read More freedom, master, slaveIn the 1960s middleweight boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter was wrongly accused and convicted of a triple homicide and sentenced to life in prison. After serving 19 years for a crime he never committed, his lawyers launched a second appeal, and the court overturned the previous ruling. The appeals court judge set Carter free.
Read More freedom, pardon, guilt, God’s family, condemnationJesus said “I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest” (John 10:10). Jesus intends for us to enjoy a full and rich life. The life he desires for us is not without boundaries, but they are set by God not people, to fulfill us. The Colossians are in danger of being dragged down again by human rules and regulations …
Read More trust, freedom, self-achievement, sinful desiresHow do we join God in restoring people from the lives they are trapped in? Do our words matter? How about our actions? According to Paul, yes and yes!
I’ve been reflecting lately on the importance of those who have helped restore me from the damage my choices sometimes produce.
Read More freedom, gentleness, being trapped, helping people