It’s not as simple as I would like it to be. Freedom is a continual choice. One decision doesn’t make a lifestyle. A lifestyle is built around a series of choices. A continuation of choosing, again and again. In this case, it is choosing freedom, and choosing wisdom, over and over again. Too often I take hold of freedom, or I grab hold of a revelation, and in my excitement I forget to maintain the beautiful treasure I have just grabbed hold of. I pick it up and am often deceived into thinking that a one-time encounter and choice is enough to keep it.
Don’t get me wrong, when Jesus paid it all, it was finished and it was done. But it is my choice whether or not I walk in that victory. It is mine- He gave it all for me. But I am not forced to walk in His freedom. I must choose to believe and in faith claim the freedom He purchased for me. My actions will tell whether I am walking by faith or not. Freedom is mine, but if I believe the lie that I am in bondage again, I will walk as if I am in bondage. For as a man thinks within himself, so he is [Proverbs 27:3].
Often I forget that stewardship is what creates a lifestyle. I have been given a gift. In fact, I have been given many gifts. If I do not steward these gifts and care for them, feeding them and growing them, their potential will be left untapped and they will remain dormant. Much like the man in the parable of the talents. This one man took what the master had given him and buried it in the ground. Was it safe? Yes. Was it still his? Yes. But what he missed out on was the return investment. The other two men took what they were given and went to invest it. In turn, they both returned to the master having doubled what was given to them.
Gifts require stewardship in order for them to be of any effect in our lives and the lives of those around us. And stewardship requires some work, some investment, and maintenance and care. All too often we sell ourselves short and settle for a gift left untouched and buried in the ground. What good is a treasure if it is hidden away and unused? Gifts are given to us, full of potential. Jesus purchased freedom for us, and there is so much potential for our lives because of His grace. But I must choose to actively use well the grace He has purchased for me. I must choose to not make light of the abundant gift.
Otherwise, is it really mine at all? Truly, it is mine for the taking. But what a shame if I use this freedom for nothing at all, when I could use it to live a radical life to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth.
So why would I pick back up the wages of sin and death? Why would I let go of this precious gift and trade it in for a lie? Why would I settle for just holding freedom for a moment, when I can walk in it for a lifetime? If I choose to invest this freedom, and use it to actually partner with the Lord in bringing His Kingdom, what a return investment not only for me, but for the entire earth and the glory of the Lord! What an abundant life there is for those who steward well the gracious gifts of the Father. What joy for those who choose to walk in His ways, each and every day.
