Today’s Reading
“You were running well. Who prevented you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from the One who called you.” (Gal. 5:7-8)
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of Truth…”(John 14:15-16)
Imagine running down a narrow street with the destination you ache for far off in the distance. The street is lined wall to wall with towering buildings. Tenants of all sorts lean out of windows shouting distractions with the intention of slowing you down. Living life as a Christ follower is similar. If we take our focus off of Jesus, truth can become twisted. Even believing a tiny amount of deception can convince us to rely on people or our own will power to run the race well. All of this noise and independence leads to vast confusion, throwing us off course. As children of God we must focus solely on Christ if we aim to stay the course He’s designed for us.
When we depend exclusively on preachers, prayer warriors, praise bands, or ourselves, we may as well skip to the sidelines and move into one of those daunting buildings. Experiencing freedom hinges on our dependency on Christ alone. This dependent relationship looks like getting to know Jesus, God’s promises, His character through the pages of scripture and then following Him. “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) This in turn grows love for God, recognition of truth, and a made up mind to follow His life-giving ways. You have been freed to race past anything that persuades you otherwise. Run your race like you believe Him.
Reflection
Freedom begins with honesty with God. Confess to the Lord your tendencies and weaknesses that distract you from following Him. Name every person or thing. Recount what it has cost you to chase something other than Him to fulfill, affirm, comfort or heal you.
Deliberately surrender to His Lordship again.
God is working in your life in ways you cannot imagine. Boldly invite Him to do whatever it takes for you to experience His freedom today.
Prayer
Father, there is no one like You! Thank You for Your Spirit which leads me into all truth and helps me to live for Your glory and my good. I ask for Your grace to run well in obedience. Please silence every taunt that seeks to distract me from You. In Jesus’ name I pray; amen.