Freedom to Choose
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17
The definition from Oxford Languages defines freedom this way: “the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.” Basically, we have a choice. Our thoughts, our actions and our words are all “choices.” Many choices that we make are found without question in the Bible. For example, the Ten Commandments (i.e. Thou shalt not steal). But what about when there is not a detailed description in the Bible about what I should do or say? Donald C. Stamps in the Life in the Spirit Bible says, “we must ask the following questions: (1) Can it be done to God’s glory (2) Can it be done ‘in the name of the Lord Jesus,’ asking His blessing on the activity (3) Can it be done while sincerely giving thanks to God? (4) Is it a Christ-like action? (5) Will it weaken the sincere convictions of other Christians? (6) Will it weaken my desire for intimate fellowship with Christ, God’s Word and prayer? (7) Will it weaken or hinder my witness for Christ?” When we filter our “choices” through these questions, then the things we “choose” become an obvious indication of our thankfulness and desire to please God.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind and set at liberty them that are bruised. Luke 4:18
Yes, we are free to “choose” but we have a job to do. We must be about our Father’s business of preaching the gospel, healing those that are hurting, bringing deliverance to the bound in sin, praying for the sick and showing the way to freedom to all that are lost. The freedom found in Christ Jesus gives us the power to act, the power to speak and the power to “choose” what will bring healing and deliverance. Choose to filter what you do and say through God’s Word and the questions suggested by Donald C. Stamps. Let the Spirit of the Lord be upon you.
Pastor Julia Scott
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