Freedom

Last week I spent a day with someone who had just been released from prison after 3 1/2 years. Seeing so much joy and wonder at such small things as a mini mart and buffet dining has been helping my understanding of Christian freedom grow. One of my many dissapointments in most of the churched Christians I come in contact with is that there is no real understanding that they are free. start disclaimer - I know this is a broad generalization, but it's the best way for me to express my thoughts at the moment - end disclaimer. However I do say this with confidence because I had no idea what freedom was untill recent years. Being raised in the church makes it hard to understand the freedom Christ has for us because no bondage has been experienced. In fact the Christian life as often portrayed by the media/Sunday school/society - or simply as developed in the minds of many who were raised in the church - has been seen as the prison and the life of the world as freedom. The problem I have now is how do I explain the freedom I have in Christ, how do I help others understand that life is bigger this way, more flavor filled, vibrant and aromatic? To be a living example is one thing - and I'm not even too good at that half the time - but to teach a concept like that is nigh impossible.

Be excited about your freedom, take joy in little things. Our sphere of influence is very limited, so changing the world starts with Christ being central to our lives here and now and his Glory being our primary joy. Christianity is not a set of rules, it's the way of Life. It's loving God.

Faith

This quote is from a creative nonfiction book about St. Fancis of Assisi. It is Francis' response to arguments that the monks in his order should be schooled in order to better defend their faith.
"Defend the faith? What for? Faith will defend itself as long as its followers are worthy of it."

Thoughts anyone?