Freedom in Christ
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. I Corinthians 15:58 ESV
Along with our freedoms, the United States constitution confers certain responsibilities upon us. It is important for all of us to have a firm understanding of this document. The right to vote is the important responsibility to ensure the proper leaders govern our cities, states, and nation. The right for a free press is the responsibility that we fully research and publicize the issues that concern us. The right for free speech is the responsibility to point out abuses in our communities and nation. The right for peaceful assembly is the responsibility to make known our concerns to elected officials. If we do not responsibly carry out our responsibilities, we could very well lose the freedoms so many people have sacrificed to secure for us.
The apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Christians in Corinth, reminds them (and us) of our responsibilities as citizens of the Kingdom of God: He begins our text: “Be steadfast, immovable” – we are to be spiritually grounded in the Word of God, have a firm understanding of it. We are not to give in to the ways and standards of the world or temptations of Satan, which would cause us to lose the freedom of salvation for which Christ sacrificed himself.
Paul then reminds us to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord”. Our responsibility as citizens of the Kingdom of God, is to work uncompromisingly as the Lord has gifted us and leads us in this life. Until the Lord returns there are souls to reach and ministries of every sort to be performed. We are responsible for our money, time, energy, talents, gifts, bodies, and minds, and we should use them to contribute to the work of the Lord. We do this joyfully, “knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain”.
Let me be Thine forever, Thou faithful God and Lord; Let me forsake Thee never Nor wander from Thy Word.Lord, do not let me waver, But give me steadfastness,And for such grace forever Thy holy name I'll bless.
The Lutheran Hymnal 334:1