A story is told of St. Augustine, who left a sexually promiscuous lifestyle. Later in life, he was approached by a former lover who said, “Augustine, Augustine, it’s me!” he said, “I know, but it’s not me”… Augustine had found a new life and was a new creation. He was now free.
I have sat in many a church pew. I have heard all sorts of teaching & preaching. However, I have seen so many turn away in despair because despite our best efforts to be better and to do better and despite the threats of judgment and punishment, we cannot be better on our own. .
So many see God as a harsh judge seeking to cast down judgments. We see the law/ rules. In our house, we have rules. Those rules are in place to protect our family, our relationships, our health and keep our home in order. But if we only focus on rules, we miss out of the benefits of being apart of our family. Being loved, supported and protected, fed and clothed and being apart of a family. Our family is about love and support for one another, not the rules. “The law code itself is God’s good and perfect sense, each command sound & holy counsel” Romans 7:8 The Message. But so often we focus on the law and rules not on the blessings and the intimacy that come from being in fellowship with God.
In sin, we seek to have our own way and we have that freedom.. to do whatever we choose. God never forces us to obey. Though, He longs to have deep and intimate relationships with us. We cannot do that with Him when we separate ourselves from Him with our sin. But when we choose to not live in Him, we forfeit the protection and choose to go our own way. But our way comes up empty and leaves deep scars
Many go years far from God. But with only a prayer .. we can have a love so amazing that it overwhelms us and sets us free..
When we realize all the “fun” is not so “fun” and all the freedom has come at a great cost and we are not free, but enslaved. When we cannot bear to look at ourselves in the mirror for we are so ashamed. When we’ve lied, and connived, … Right there in the most depraved of estate, we are loved.
It is only, at our humble estate, when we realize we are lost. When the love overwhelms us, just as we are. That love is what inspires our change. Love brings freedom..
“Just as I am” was written by Charlotte Elliot. It was written out of her amazing response to finding freedom in Christ. For most of her life, she was overwhelmed by her depravity. She tried so hard to change. She was told by church leaders that she just needed to read the Bible more & go to church more.. but she came up empty every time. Finally, there was an evangelist she met. She lamented to him about her burden. He told her “go to God, just as you are.” but again she asked but what should I do.. and again he said “go to God, just as you are” and there where all striving had ceased, she came to her Lord, just as she was. His love overwhelmed her and she was truly free.
Christ came to set the captives free. Today He is still doing the same.
I am free truly free… and because I am free, I no longer go through my life desperate and alone. I have a joy so deep within me and peace that keeps me still in the great storms of life.
justjourneyingthru 