Growth

Serious Freedom

I tend to be a pretty serious person. I don’t say a whole lot (unless I’m tired) and I’m awfully introspective. Although I love to laugh, I tend to view life through some pretty straight-rim glasses. When I was younger, my parents were concerned that this was cause for some concern, but as I got older they realized this is just who I am.

What most people don’t expect that although I take life pretty seriously, I will do almost anything for a reaction. Whether its sipping ketchup through a straw, eating a whole bowl of butter or nearly licking the bottom of my friend’s foot, I think its fun to do what’s unexpected. And outside of causing myself or others harm, I’m game for almost anything.

The reason for this seemingly incongruous disparity is that I take the freedom I have to be the person I want to be very seriously. Although I’ll do things for a reaction, I won’t do things thoughtlessly. I appreciate the fact that who I am to become is determined by my actions, and I try never to lose sight of this.

I think its similar in our relationship with Christ. He has given us freedom, but some treat this freedom flippantly. The freedom we have in Christ is a serious matter because it determines the extent to which we will be used by Him. When we take it seriously, we have the ability to love with abandon, pursue Him with passion, and to give generously. When we don’t, we float on the wings of complacency.

Freedom allows us to be the person God wants us to be . . . if we take it seriously.

Freedom is thrust upon us, and we must take it whether we
will or not. Happiest is he who takes it most completely and
most joyfully, but also most seriously and with the deepest
sense of its dangers.
… Phillips Brooks (1835-1893)

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Hope

The Death of a King

It was a moment I’ll never forget. I had traveled to England for work and decided to stay a few extra days to be a tourist. For someone who had previously hated traveling, this was a big adventure. On my own, out of the country, with absolutely no plan.

As I strolled the streets of London, I was in awe of the city. At that time, I had never experienced what it was like to be in a place where you could walk for miles and see nothing but activity. I was alone, yet surrounded by people. I was one of the masses enjoying the mysteries of modern life.

And then I came to the castle. Buckingham Palace to be exact. The flag was up – the sign that the Queen was in residence. Unlike most tourists, I had decided not to take the tour and to this day, I have no clue what the palace looks like on the inside. But it didn’t matter. I was dumbfounded. And for a girl who’s not easily impressed, this was a moment of magic.

As I stared the flag, it hit me. This was their queen. And the palpable air of respect permeated my surroundings. Being raised in America, I’m used to public officials being elected. The Queen hadn’t been elected; she was born into her position. I could no sooner ascend to her place than I could learn to fly. No desire, no volition, no action on my part could make us equal. She was the Queen; I was not.

Maybe it was the majesty of the moment, but it was only then that I realized the significance of saying that Christ, our King, had died for us. If I were an Englander, I would not be able to imagine a circumstance in which the Queen would choose to give her life for mine. But this is what the Heavenly King did. He gave up His birthright of royalty, to pay my penalty. What an Earthly queen could never be compelled to do, our Heavenly King did willingly on our behalf.

I still think I’m far from grasping the significance of that act. I think people who are familiar with a heritage of royalty probably have a better appreciation for it. But as I think back, I’m grateful for the night spent at the steps of the Queen. It helped prepare me for an eternity at the King’s feet.

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