Freedom

Freedom, it can either liberate us or in-prison us. Paul says we are set free from the law of sin and death. In other words, we are free to draw as near to God as we want. We are free to enjoy all the good things in life. We are free to bless people, serve others, and feel good about ourselves. We are free to experience purpose, peace and joy. On the other hand, if we choose to be bound by the law of sin and death we will use our freedom to place ourselves back into bondage. We are also free to suffer all the consequences of selfishness, greed, and living only for ourselves. We are free to ignore God, and run to all the ugly things in life. We are free to endure emptiness, anxiety and shame.

I spoke with someone recently who wanted God to keep all bad things from happening to them, but expected their parents to let them live as they pleased - regardless of what may happen to their child. In other words - live like hell with no consequences. But Paul makes it very clear in Romans 8 that living by the Spirit has much different consequences than living by the flesh. Check it out, and consider walking in the liberating freedom of the Spirit.