This is another poster in the series designed by the British Government to boost morale during WWII.
Once I “Keep Calm and Carry On,” (the poster/slogan I wrote about last week) I need to focus on the idea that I really am in a battle.
In context, this message speaks to the duality of the war:
we are all under attack, and
I have a personal responsibility.
As with the physical enemy faced by the Allies during WWII, we face an oh-so-real enemy of our souls as well.
What is more wonderful, however, is the knowledge that the war has already been won by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We are responsible to defend the freedom purchased for us with the precious blood of Jesus so that we can have victory in the battles we face.
The Word of God is very clear on this point:
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1, ESV (English Standard Version)
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Galatians 5:13-14, ESV
“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:15-17, ESV
For me, these verses are very clear: we need to use the freedom we have to bring honor to the Lord.
Yes, we have been set free.
Yes, there is grace.
But…
If we don’t love our neighbors (husbands!) as we love ourselves, we aren’t using the gift of freedom in Christ as it was designed and intended to be used.
It’s a high standard. One that is much more easily applied to those with whom we come into contact on Sunday mornings (or even Monday mornings as we meet the new work week) than with the man God has given us.
We can’t use our freedom in Christ to continue to grumble about, complain to, argue with, criticize, belittle or in any other way be less-than-honoring to our husbands!
Honor everyone.
Love the brotherhood.
Fear God.
These are the ways we defend the freedom we have been given.
So, dear ones, get ready to defend your freedom. You have a personal responsibility.
We all do. We need to remember that we truly are in battle.
When one of us has a victory, it is a victory for all of us because that triumph reminds us that winning is not out of reach, but well within our grasp if we trust in the Lord.
We must be mindful that our brothers (husbands, too!) and sisters are also under attack. When we keep that reality in the forefront of our thinking, it is easier to make the necessary adjustments in our mindset so that we can be a source of hope, strength and encouragement as they go through their trials.
Our freedom.
Purc
hased.
hased.
Now we need to walk in it.
Grateful for the freedom that has been given me,
Rebecca
The above poster in now part of the public domain.
::::::::::::::::::::
