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• guest writer
• truth
• freedom

Written by Ximena Ramirez, Christian sister in Montevideo, Uruguay

In this world, we are in the midst of various cultures, each with their own rules and customs. In general, we work day-to-day to survive and each day we pile on even more: things, responsibilities, and worries. In today’s world, time seems to pass even more quickly than before—running from one side to another in order to get what we want. In spite of it all, if we were asked if we are free, the majority of us would respond, “Yes.”

From a political and legal perspective, we consider ourselves free; we have the freedom to do what we want and to go where we choose without someone prohibiting it. Throughout the course of human history, we have fought in order to obtain that freedom. In other countries, they continue to fight to obtain that freedom or to reclaim it. We also long for the freedom of expression and thought. Without doubt, each of these freedoms are important, but do we truly feel free? Are our thoughts and expressions truly free?

We all know, deep down, that we are not totally free. As human beings, we have created our own limitations without realizing it. The amount of money we have or don’t, our jobs, our families, our commitments, our goals, our prejudices—anything that hinders us from flying free like a bird—make us less free. Don’t you think?

Now, if we were to stop a minute and think from the Christian perspective, we should remember that our Teacher and Shepherd clearly said that,
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

But what kind of freedom is Jesus talking about? The Jews with whom He was speaking didn’t understand that He was speaking of a different kind of freedom.

The freedom Jesus spoke of was spiritual, mental, and true freedom, because it is what frees us from sin, and we know that this world is immersed in sin. This is why our freedom does not depend on any human limitations—we have already been set free! (Gal. 5:1)

When we don’t feel free, we may feel powerless, useless, overwhelmed, or depressed. Stress and depression are the two most common illnesses in modern day health.

Followers of Christ should remember daily that we no longer belong to this world, even though we live in it (2 Cor. 10:3) and that we have access to true freedom through the Truth that He taught us. The mission of Jesus was to show us the way to that freedom we lost in the beginning and lead us to the transformation of our minds and thoughts, which lead to a different way of acting and living (2 Cor. 10:5). That freedom is found within us but is reflected externally. We can free ourselves from all the evil that overwhelms us if we follow the teachings of Jesus and His Word (James 1:25).

What is the Truth we will come to know as disciples of Jesus? I remember a TV series from the 1990’s, The X Files, that always closed with the line, “The truth is out there.” And in a way, the truth is out there because we can see it through His creation, in how perfect the universe is, yet the Truth is Jesus Himself—in His Word and within us if we are in Him (John 14:6). Knowing, understanding, and practicing what we learn from Jesus and His words allow us to live truly free.

This Truth can seem mysterious, but if we look to Jesus and what He teaches, we will see that it is actually simpler than we think. As His followers, we should try to do what He says and we will realize that our lives are fuller, more loving, more peaceful, and freer.

Free like Paul said, “To live is Christ” (Phil. 1:21). We will be free from our worries and sadness if we claim our true purpose and abandon the drive to have more, to be successful in our careers, to have a beautiful family, to have a child, to travel to far-off lands, to feel happy, etc.

Our new purpose is to be free from the limitations that we face as humans. The purpose we now have is greater and goes beyond those limitations, which, in turn, allows us to realize the changes within ourselves toward freedom (Gal. 2:20).

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians recommends what we should think on (Phil. 4:8), practical advice, especially for the days in which we find it difficult to clear our minds of negative thoughts. We are bombarded by news of world tragedies, economic crises, and injustices. It is a challenge to not dwell on these things and not allow them to influence how we live our lives. However, we can focus our thoughts on things above that will allow us to act and react differently, to have a better attitude, knowing that we have a Savior that has already freed us, and that now calls us to follow Him and live as free disciples.

The Freedom in which we live is here and the only way to get to it is in Jesus. Seek Him, His word, and His example in order to put into practice what we learn from Him.

Our Teacher leads us to salvation and eternal life, but He also serves as a guide for life here on earth—a life filled with peace that leads us to do good things, think good things, and live by the Spirit. Our mind and our heart are free because we allow Jesus to rule in our lives.

#IronRoseSister #freedom #truth #guestwriter

• faith

Spiritual maturity is something we respect in others and desire for ourselves. We would rather it come automatically, but it is a process and a faith journey, not a destination.

One of the most obvious signs of someone’s spiritual maturity is their faith. When difficulties arise, they trust in God. This does not imply that they do not have to deal with the emotional aspects of the current challenge. Nor does it imply that they will not be tired and weary from the fight. However, they continue to trust in God, and they get push it all by keeping their eyes fixed on Him.

We cannot force or rush spiritual maturity. It comes through faithfulness in our relationship with God and continual communication with Him. The confidence that comes through faith carries us through the current situation and we are then prepared for whatever else comes our way in the future.

In addition, when we demonstrate spiritual maturity, manifested by our faith, we serve as an example to others in their own faith journey.

1 Peter 1:3-9 affirms that faith is a part of our growth and maturity process. We may not appreciate it in the moment, but when we look back, we are able to recognize all that God has done in the midst of our circumstances, every step along the way, and our faith is strengthened yet again.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

#IronRoseSister #faith #Jesus #assurance