I asked you on Instagram a few weeks ago if you prefer reading longer posts or shorter posts on here.

Most of you chose short.

And I completely understand why….

But today’s post can’t be condensed in a matter of sentences.

This post is for those of you who want to dive deep with me.

Are you ready? Let’s go!

Real freedom. 

What does that look like?

• Is it playing in the ocean?
• Living without responsibilities?
• Having an unlimited budget?
• Enjoying your favorite activity without a time constraint?
• Taking a shower without a little one yelling, “Mom, Im’ hungry!”? 😉
• Traveling the world?

 

Although you might be set “free” from the complexities of life for a brief moment…..your soul would still be bound to your choices, lifestyle, things, etc.

Your “freedom” would be dependent upon the circumstance.

Which isn’t complete freedom at all…

I believe complete freedom is:

• breaking out of bondage from things or people that enslave you.
• pursuing a new life and perspective with Jesus.
• healing (in whatever way you need it): physically, emotionally, mentally, relationally, sexually.
• strength and peace of mind when you normally walk in anxiety.
• the ability and willingness to be used for God, by God, in His timing when you’d prefer to control the situation.
• a changed mindset, bad habit, or repeat sin struggle (FINALLY).
• when we want what God wants (not just because we should).

 

I assured you in this post that “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” in 2 Corinthians 3:17.

I felt like I had a tiny ounce of authority to write about this idea of freedom, because it’s the concept behind my ministry. It’s a difficult road I’ve navigated for years and feel led to share with you.

Freedom in Christ instead of from Christ is my purpose. And it’s yours too.

I’ve read that “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free” in Galatians 5:1.

That all sounds great…..

But how do we walk in freedom? Practically?

….it will take longer than reading this blog post.

I cannot put in the work for you.

It’s not a one time thing.

It’s a mindset.

Here’s an example:

The people that you admire for whatever reason….are no better than you.

They have a mindset that doesn’t change based on their day or situation.

If you’ve always wanted to be a writer and you admire the girl with best-selling novels….her writing isn’t necessarily better than yours. But her mindset might be.

If you want to write a book….your thought life can’t look like this, “Today I just don’t have time. What would I have to say or offer the world that they haven’t already heard before? Who am I to be published? I don’t have a writing degree? I don’t have access to a publisher?”

 

You see what I’m saying, here?

The people that seem so free and full of life aren’t better Christians than you.

They don’t wake up without stress or trials.

They have a freedom mindset.

They know that whatever God has planned for them is the best.

They know that the kind of life they sit around and think about…eventually comes true.

They KNOW and BELIEVE and TRUST that they are unconditionally loved by God.

They don’t doubt Him.

They don’t feel unworthy.

They are excited to live out the gospel.

They make worship playlists and meditate on truth so they can pour into others.

They write scripture and post it around their home so they can love well.

They find other believers and community to encourage and be encouraged by.

They know that God saves.

He transforms.

He can change your life and melt your heart of stone if you ask.

Nothing is too much for Him. Nothing you’ve done. Nothing you’ve thought. Nothing you’ve said.

1. Ask God to show you the areas where you aren’t set free.
2. Confess those sins. Out loud. To Him and others.
3. Obey God so that you can hear his voice clearly…

Once you are free. Go set others free.

photography: Bryan Grayson

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