What does freedom and liberty in Christ look like? Is it throwing off the shackles of religious legalism? Yes. Is it hope of being without condemnation at the judgement? Yes, by God’s grace that’s absolutely true! But what about day-to-day decisions and activities? Is it a reckless approach allowing one to simply do what feels right? Not at all.

Even though self-oriented things are often called ‘liberty’, a New Testament liberated life is about God-honoring activity. Consider this verse:

“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV

The context of the chapter is how the Lord opens the heart and mind at conversion, then continues to transform us as we grow (glory to glory-v.18). Concerning the liberty part, it’s directly tied to the Holy Spirit. Thankfully it’s true that the constraints of the Law were broken, but His presence still guides us with loving boundaries as we go. His leadership will never violate principles established in the scriptures and will always be consistent with God’s character. During His earthly ministry, Jesus modeled what the leadership of the Holy Spirit looked like. Yes, the Temple establishment often challenged Him, but the conflict was never because of pride in His heart; it was because of its presence in theirs.

So how do you view Christian liberty? Is it something just benefitting you, or something tied directly to the Holy Spirit’s leadership? Concerning gray areas, are you willing to stop and ask, “Does it honor the Lord?” How will you follow today?