The purpose of freedom is to create it for others.

This is the statement that appeared on a sign, just around the corner from where I live, about a week ago.

Hmm, I thought to myself, like any good theology graduate, the first time I read it, I’m not sure how that lines up with what I read in the bible. Then I promptly forgot all about it, until that Sunday evening at church, when we read this verse.

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Galations 5:13 NLT)

We can get hung up on thinking we have been saved, we have been set free. Just for ourselves. It is freedom for Christ has set us free. But maybe it isn’t just our own freedom.

Maybe we have been set free so we can set others free.

The thing is, a lot of Christians never get to that part. They jump up and down it church singing I am free, I am free, Jesus loves me I am free. But this freedom means nothing unless they leave church, fired up to go and share that freedom.

If they want to share it, are they actually experiencing freedom, or is it just some cheap substitute? If you are really know the true freedom that can only be found in Christ, why wouldn’t you want to share it.

Wouldn’t you want to share it? Wouldn’t you want to go out and and meet the needs of the poor? Wouldn’t you want to just do something?

Jesus puts it like this:

Go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy not sacrifice.” For I have no come to call the righteous, but the sinners.” (Matthew 9:13)

We can jump up and down in church, but unless we walk out of those doors and help those that are struggling, our worship means nothing. Without love it is worthless.

All this to say, I am so pleased that some random person decided to paint on some old bedding, and remind passers by the true purpose of Freedom.

We have been set free from our worries, insecurities and fear, not just so that we can experience that freedom. But so that we can share it with others.