Living in liberty requires an attention to inherent dangers. It is far too easy to become unbalanced, leaning too far one direction or another.
There is a danger for those who forcefully demand liberty that they can fall into undisciplined living (licentiousness). “As God’s slaves, live as free people, but don’t use your freedom as a way to conceal evil.” [I Peter 2:16 HCSB]
I remember speaking to a man once who told me he was free to have an affair. After all, he said, he could just simply come back and ask forgiveness when it was over and maintain his Christian standing.
There is also a danger for those who forcefully limit liberty that they can fall into a legalistic lifestyle. “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now going to be made complete by the flesh?” [Galatians 3:3 HCSB]
These people become defined by what they are “against.” I remember visiting a gathering of churches where I was informed that I could not raise my hands during the singing because a certain member in the host church forbade such “emotional” worship.
The ultimate goal of freedom is to live a holy life that glorifies God, edifies our fellow believers, and maintains a good repute before unbelievers. Liberty neither hides iniquity (doing anything we want), nor does it restrict by rules or customs.
The only “rule” that we must submit to in exercising our Christian freedom is simple. Does what I am thinking, speaking, and doing, please my LORD and Master, Christ Jesus?
