Devotions/Partners

2 Corinthians 7:1-3 (KJV): “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.”

COMMENTARY: If anyone in the world should relish freedom, it should be Christ-followers.

If you study the writings and principles of the USA’s founders, you’ll discover that the founders understood that the freedom they sought is not unlimited. Absolute freedom is chaos, anarchy and insanity. Our founders knew that, for our nation to survive and thrive, it’s essential that our citizens consistently practice “freedom with responsibility.

We don’t talk about it much in Christendom, but the reality is that there are businesspeople (some of whom are or claim to be Christians) who abuse their freedom; who do not practice “freedom with responsibility.” Unlike the Apostle Paul’s example in this passage, some citizens are white collar or blue collar criminals. They have little if any conscience or internal moral compass that guides them in what’s right or wrong. They blatantly and deliberately deceive, manipulate, corrupt and defraud others and leave a painful trail of destruction in their wakes. Shame on them!

APPLICATION: Don’t abuse the freedom you have in Christ! Don’t trample on it! Don’t take advantage of this enormous and precious freedom, bought at such a high price, and turn it into license for bad, ungodly and abusive behavior. You are here to be salt and light, Ambassadors for the King of the Universe. With that comes a great opportunity and a great responsibility.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Ephesians 4:31 (KJV), read Understanding Life in Christ (Galatians 1:6–4:31) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.