Spiritual Air Freshener: Free for What?

I had the honor of serving at a church for over ten years that had a recovery ministry. And with recovery adults came recovery students. Often, I would hear both adults and students say that the Lord has set them "free" from various sins that for many years had them enslaved and without hope.

My former pastor, Bro. Larry Jordan, always warned people that sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you would ever want to pay. The recovery adults and students were the one's that were experiencing the pain of all three of these truths at abusive levels.

Freedom was a truth that many desired, but in their mind was something they would never obtain. So, this recovery ministry claimed John 8:36 for all that attended the recovery services. John 8:36 says, 'Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.'

Free for what?

Are we set free just to say that I don't smoke, snort, inject or sell drugs anymore? Are we set free just to say that I do not abuse every label of beer, wine or liquor anymore? Are we set free to say that I no longer get lost in hours upon hours of web surfing for pornography? Each praise worthy in all aspects, but...

We're set free to live as children of God, to serve Him, please Him, and grow closer to Him. To enjoy the richness of life in all its complexity and splendor. We are set free to participate in something meaningful, significant and lasting. To receive forgiveness, love and peace.

We're set free to use and enjoy all the blessings that come from God. We're set free to talk to God in prayer and grow closer to Him through reading the Bible. We're set free to worship Him without shame or fear!

We're set free to use our gifts, interests and abilities for God's glory and pleasure. We're set free to grow in all the right directions. We're set free to serve and please and honor God.

And we're set free to follow Jesus down the road of life - wherever that may lead.

Have you been set free?