Are you imprisoning yourself?

When we read “freedom isn’t free.” We immediately think of the men and women who selflessly sacrificed their livelihood in fighting for our freedom, of whom we are all grateful. Back in 1941, President Roosevelt gave a state of the union address titled “Future Days.” In his speech, he talked about a world founded on the four essential freedoms; freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Today we are benefactors of the vision and commitment of freedom given to us by our leaders and military. It is their gift to all of us. However, is it free even though it has been given to us? Yes, we live in a free country where we have freedom of choice. The question is, are you living it out by “being free”?

Often we contradict our freedom by imprisoning ourselves through thoughts, words, and actions. To be free requires personal responsibility in these 3 areas. Using the four freedoms above to measure our thoughts, words, and actions allows us to see where we need liberation. Do your thoughts, words, and actions allow you to speak up freely and fully express yourself? Do you stuff your voice to keep the peace or to appear pleasing? Are you worshiping God through the thoughts, words, and actions you have toward others and yourself? Is your worship springing from your heart or your head? Are your thoughts, words, and actions imprisoning you by lack of God-consciousness and close-mindedness? Are you blocking all the blessings God wants to bestow on you through limited perspective and vocabulary toward yourself and others? Are the consequences of your actions leaving you in want? Have you allowed fearful thoughts to freeze you? Are you afraid of your own power, speaking and playing small out of fear of embracing your unique gifts and talents? Fear about what others might say?

I believe that most of us really live in captivity, by our own doing. We are enslaved by our thoughts, words, and the consequences of our actions. It is a conscious choice to receive the gift of freedom, one we must actively cultivate. Thoughts, words, and actions rooted in our highest good are the seeds from which freedom grows. The Living Water, the Son, is the key element of total deliverance. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the spirit is, there is freedom”2 Corinthians 3:7 Once you take personal responsibility to seek The Lord God with your whole heart, then your thoughts, words, and actions begin to Divinely align with Truth. Love infiltrates your thoughts, words, and actions, allowing you to “be free” in speech and worship, without lack of fear. “And God can bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 Freedom isn’t free; it is a personal pursuit. A pursuit to reconnect with the Divine within, the spirit of the Lord, the spirit of freedom. Then, and only then, will you be free indeed!

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