Devotion:
Read 2 Corinthians 3:12-18.
In this scripture, Paul reminds the Corinthians that the Lord is in their hearts, in their human spirit. Their hope of freedom comes from the fact that the one who is within them is God. Verse 17 says: ”the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Freedom is being out in the open, being bold, and having nothing to hide. Those who are free are those who do not have a reputation to defend and no image to hide behind. They can be themselves. People today are longing for this type of freedom. People want to be themselves. The only thing wrong is the way we do it. We are taught that the way to be me is to use my advantage and my efforts.
God teaches us there is another process. This is a process of growth. It does not happen in one great transformation when we are suddenly filled with the Spirit. Being yourself and having freedom does not mean denying the potential for all the wrongdoing that is possible in our hearts and in our lives. God’s acceptance and approval are gifts to us, so we serve Him out of a heart of gratitude for what we already have. We do not have to earn His favor, and our performance is not going to affect His love for us. By rejoicing and praising God, studying His word, and loving and serving others, we become freer persons.
Personal Worship Option:
Dear God, help us to be liberated by following your path for us. Remind us that we need you to show us the way to love, study, grow our faith, and serve others. Amen.
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