When I think of liberty, I think of that which is a part of the United States and the idea that I have freedom from tyranny and freedom of expression and freedom of religion and freedom of just about anything else one can think. I believe that freedom is a right that has been bestowed on me thanks to my living here and that it cannot be infringed upon. That is not fully true.

I have liberty as a child of God, but that liberty is from the bounds of sin and nothing else. I am still held to all that is before me, only in the wake of sin in my life, I have been forgiven.

“¹The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” — Isaiah 61:1 (ESV)

It is of sin that I have been forgiving and from the consequences of sin I am protected. I have been guaranteed nothing else in this life. I am free from sin and that is all.

The best part is that it is not just in the United States this freedom and liberty are available. Whether I am here, or traveling abroad to anywhere, God is with me and provides safety and liberty from the bounds of sin. I am free and for that I am thankful.

Now, I don’t just get to experience the freedom from sin. I have work to do, and that work is continual. I have to follow God wherever He would have me go and do whatever He would have me do. I have to do His work. To go along with the work He has for me, I have to repent continually for the sins I have committed and know as well as those I have committed and do not know (for they are there for sure). Just because I have been forgiven and have accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord, I am still a sinner and will struggle with sin each day. The evil one will continually come for me and just when I let my guard down and forget the work I am doing for God, he will be there to influence me in the wrong direction to take away my freedom.

Liberty is a gift from God and for that gift, I am obligated for thanks to Him. I have to remember that I have freedom, not from what the world might think, but from the consequences of sin as that debt has been paid.

What freedoms do you have in your life? Do you realize that those freedoms can be removed at any time? What if you put your faith in the one freedom that has been granted and will not be taken away, the freedom from sin?

Have you every found yourself in a group or in a position where action needs to take place, yet there continues to be debate and discussion that delays action from being taken? I know that I have and find that everyone seems to be polite and inclusive to everyone so that everyone has a voice in the situation. Where this may be the right thing in the interest of the inclusive ideal, this is not always the right thing needed in every situation and there for leads to indecision and potentially missing the opportunity to take action at all.

This indecision is a decision. Let me explain my position. The group has decided that everyone’s voice is more important than actually taking action. The action itself then falls further down the list of priorities and therefor is delayed in the interest of consensus or good will toward others. What is decided is of little to no concurrence as long as everyone has had a chance to weigh in and/or debate. Where this is a grand idea and can lead to an environment where everyone gets along, the action that was needed takes a back seat and in some cases, no seat at all, to the ideal of inclusion.

There have been a number of occasions where I have been in a group of people trying to decide where to go to eat. Each member is asked where they would like to go and inevitably someone in the group objects, for whatever reason, and the debate continues. Meanwhile, there are those that are in the breakfast conversation to fellowship with friends and the place that happens is not important. The debate continues for 15 minutes only to decide on a place that is no longer serving due to the timing we would be able to arrive, and the process begins again. The indecision results in a canceling of the plans due to time constraints that would have been avoided had someone just made the decision to go as opposed to then needed consensus as to where. The reality is that the where was not as important as the why and due to the indecision, the why was not accomplished.

I am not saying that all decisions should just be made and inclusion is not important, it is. What I am saying is that at some point, the decision needs to be made so that we can get on with things and take action as opposed to just talking about action. Jesus was saying this to the people of Laodicea in Revelation.

“¹⁵I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! ¹⁶So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” — Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV)

When action is needed, decisions must be made. Standing around debating the decision may work in minor inconsequential situations. When things come after and require additional actions to be taken, those decisions must be made. Sometimes the whole is of more consequence than the part when it comes to decisions. The situations drives the decision making process. It is important to look at the larger picture to understand the whole and decide on the actions that should take place to satisfy the situation’s need as opposed to the decision’s need.

What actions have you seen that were delayed or canceled due to indecision or apathy? Were you one that was more interested in the decision than the situation? What if we reviewed the reason for the decision and decided to take action as opposed to deciding to decide and not taking the action?

I recently wrote about self-control is used to avoid the trappings of lust and this morning I read in 2 Peter of the willful entering into the trapping.

“¹⁰and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones,” — 2 Peter 2:10 (ESV)

There is a lot that goes into the full passage here in 2 Peter, this verse was the basis of my study this morning and really spoke to me of the choice I have each day and in all situations. Again God provides what I need when I need it. He brought me to this passage to extend on the self-control learning from my recent writing.

Here we see the relationship between self-control and a choice. If I have the ability to control myself and avoid the trappings of lust, I also have the choice to avoid lust and not allow myself to enter into that trapping. I know, they sound the same and as I write I know that. Stay with me.

I have choice in life. I have the choice of right and wrong. I have the choice to wear blue or red. I have the choice to mow the grass or pay someone. I have the choice to long after something destructive or something that brings glory and honor.

See what I did there (or maybe not). I have the choice of lust. It not something that is just innate and a part of me. I choose my own actions. God gave me free will and that includes the ability to choose. I have the choice to willfully act against that which is best, and lust is certainly not that. I have the chance each day to choose God over my own desires. I have the chance each day to choose to do His will or go it on my own. I have the choice to bring the gospel to the world or bring my own desires.

Too often I see that people shuck the blame for their own actions and either throw the blame on another person. They will claim that it was some inability to control the situation and they are somehow the victim, when they were the one that created the situation. This is simply the excuses of those not realizing that they have and made a choice and are now looking to somehow remove the consequences of the choices that were made.

We have a choice to make at every moment of the day. That choice is ours and we are responsible for that choice and by extension, the consequences that come with that choice. Sometimes those consequences are positive, and others times, not so much. The choice is yours as are the consequences that go with them.

What choices are you making in your own life? Are you falling into the trappings of lust by choosing that destructive path? What if you stepped back, understood that you have free will, thanks to God and chose to honor Him with your work instead?

“³For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; ⁴that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, ⁵not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;” — 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (ESV)

This morning as I read in 1 Thessalonians about lust, I was drawn to verse four and how it relates to the lust. Notice the phrasing of Paul, “you know how to control”. I do not want to get into the debate of context about the verses although that is important. What I am focused on this morning is the area of self-control as a means to avoid the trappings that come with lust.

I have already defined lust in an earlier post as having to do with deep longing for something. That deep longing is driven by our idle minds and our lack of attention to other things that are more useful and productive. It is hard to continually have a longing for something when one is engaged in another thing that takes up all that you are. When one is idle the mind is seeking something and that is where the lustful thoughts come to mind.

Let me give an example that I think we all can relate. Our mobile devices are great at keeping us connected and are useful in managing efficiency of our actions and schedules. How much time are you spending on your device. I find that my time on scrolling is increased when I have nothing else to fill it. The nature of my job is so that I am actively engaged all day with others in a training environment. I am constantly communicating with the participants and that lends to little or no time for extraneous things. As such my time on my device is drastically reduced as I have something else to fill my time (not to mention my battery lasted for three days without charge this week). When I am not training a class or actively involved in some other activity I find myself with my nose in my phone looking for stimulation.

What does this have to do with self-control and lust. Well, when I am active with some other activity, I do not give my mind the chance to look for stimulation. I am not longing for anything as I don’t have time for that nonsense. I am focused. I have every opportunity to focus daily and drive myself to doing things to fill my time. I should be working on positive movement and not sitting idle waiting to be stimulated. I am in control and should progress as though I am.

“²And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.” – Genesis 2:2 (ESV)

During days one – six, God was busy at work. When He had completed His work, He rested and then got right back at it. I have to remember to put my head down and work. I will be able to rest in the evening when the day is done and then get up the next and get after it again. I have the control of my environment and the actions I am taking. As I go through the day I have to remember not to allow time for deep longing and lust. I have to keep with the work so as not to look for stimulation in all the things that are destructive. To avoid the trappings of lust I have to engage in self-control.

What actions or in-actions are you allowing to impact your deep longings for things of destruction? Are you idle too much and seeking stimulation from outside areas? What if you used your self-control to fill your time with actions moving forward, rested, and then got back after it to avoid the trappings of lust?

This morning as I was reading and studying, I realized that lust is all about the self. I read in Proverbs 11 where the wisdom is directed at the opposites of good and evil. As I look closely at the contrast, the evil is centered around self gratification and the lifting up of oneself. It is the good and righteous that are concerned with others.

“¹³Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered. ¹⁴Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” “²⁴One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” “²⁶The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.” — Proverbs 11:13-14 & 24 & 26 (ESV)

I was reviewing the word “lust” in verse six and as is good practice, I read the entire chapter to understand the context of the verse and found the contrast of righteousness and evil. After reading God’s word here in the chapter, I realized that good is about others and evil is about self. This falls directly into the idea of lust. With lust being an intense longing, it is all about the self longing and gratification and not that of others. This is where we go wrong and where we find ourselves consumed with that we long for.

“⁶The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.” — Proverbs 11:6 (ESV)

Focus is good, but being consumed can lead to destruction. It is good to know where you are headed and focusing on the destination, but we should still be conscious of the journey to be sure that we are not missing something that could benefit others as we go. I have a good focus in the mornings with my study to know that I am working to learn and grow in my faith with my study. I also am aware that I have an audience, no matter the size or whether known or unknown that are looking at my thoughts and deriving their own from them. That awareness keeps me from being consumed and knowing that I have a purpose for others and not myself.

It is lust where we are driven to do things in the interest of self. I have to remember that ultimately it is not about me, only about God and the work He has for me to spread the gospel and bring glory to Him.

What do you have in your life that is solely for the self? Are you focused on those things or are you consumed by them? What if you turned to serving others as opposed to self instead?

“³⁰Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds, the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples. Trample underfoot those who lust after tribute; scatter the peoples who delight in war.” — Psalm 68:30 (ESV)

When there is lust involved, there is a blinding to all else. The lustful desires are all consuming and all rational thought is lost and therefor can and will be overtaken by those with rational thought.

Here, in the passage it is noted that those bringing tribute will be trampled and destroyed. These are after the tribute and that which comes with it and have their thoughts, feelings, and actions directed to that lust. As they are blinded by the lust for the tribute, they are easily defeated in battle and in every other instance.

I have to remember that as I approach life and all that is presented with it, I am much better off with my focus on God and bringing glory to Him as I bring the gospel forward. It is not about me or what I want or desire. I will receive what is due based on my actions to bring glory to God. My life is His and that is where everything is.

Lusting after even the smallest of things will bring a focus to those things that are not bringing glory to God. My reward is found in the end based on my devotion to Him and my focus on bringing glory to Him. Not for the works done, but for the heart I have in the works to ensure that all is devoted to Him along with my life and all.

What are you lusting after that may be getting in the way of your focus on God? Are you looking for the one thing or things that bring you joy in this world? What if you focus was on God and His works so as to avoid the destruction that comes with lustful desires?

Lust: usually intense or unbridled sexual desire; an intense longing – Merriam-Webster Online

I look at the definition above and think. Am I a lustful person and where am I directing that lust? All the Lord makes is good. Yes, even lust is good, when directed to and in the right things.

I have a beautiful wife and she is enough for me. In our church, our pastor was very open about his lust for his wife. His approach is that any and all that she is drives him to love her even more. Whether her hair is blond or brunet. Whether cleaning house or loving the kids. He loves her and she is enough. I feel the same about Lori. This is the purity in the lustful desires that we have. It is great and lovely to lust after my wife and know that she is all and enough for me. I don’t need to wander away from her to fill me. Lori is the right thing for me and where I can and should direct my lust. As noted in the definition above, lust is “an intense longing”, and that is what I have for her.

When I turn lust into the world and look for that which will bring me joy, I have to remember to turn it to the right things here as well. What is the right thing to turn to within the world, what is that which I can and should lust after? GOD!!! He is where I should be turning to. His work is where I should be lusting after. He is right and good. He is enough. He is everything that will bring joy.

There is nothing in this world that will bring peace and joy that comes from God. Leaning on Him is where I get the most. He gives me comfort, strength, guidance, He provides for my needs and blesses me beyond belief. I should be lusting after that which brings me the most and that is Him. He is pure and great and that is all that I need. “Purity is a pursuit that leads to life” (Jared Patrick, 2023). When I am seeking him, I am seeking that which is right and will gain life that is abundant.

Where are you lusting? Are you looking to fill your world with things that are not right? What if you were to lust after God and doing His work and pursue purity that leads to life?

“⁸But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” — 1 Timothy 6:8 (ESV)

I see this verse and when I think of all that I have accumulated over the years of my life, I think, “…but, I really need…” This house is important. My car. My designer clothing. My computers and home office. I have all of these things that I use and have value create efficiency and I am happier for having them.

The thing is that those things, where they may make me feel better and create for comfort, they are not the things that are required in life to make it. The verse above outlines just what is required in this world, food and clothing. The very basics are what I “need”.

I think back to my grandparents and just what they had as I was growing up. They had each other and what was in their homes. There were many Christmases where we as family would gather around them and would gift them one of our luxuries with the intention that they would get the same value out of it as we did. They would simply look at the item and offer a sincere thank you for the gift. I could see the bewilderment on their face and looking back now, realize that they never used the item as the value we saw was not something that was of value to them. They were happy and content with their lives and all that they had, even as it may not have been the “latest and greatest” things.

I see now that I am older and have worked on my priorities that what really matters is what we are able to do in the name of God. What and how are we able to do those things to impact others in a positive way and not what we can accumulate that will provide our comfort.

“⁶But godliness with contentment is great gain, ⁷for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” — 1 Timothy 6:6-7 (ESV)

Paul points out that all that we accumulate over our time here in this world was of no consequence when we arrived and is no of no consequence when we leave. Why then should we work so hard to accumulate and keep while we are here. I have to remember that which is important, pleasing the LORD and bringing glory to Him while I bring the gospel to the world. I do not “need” all those comforts, it is only “food and clothing” that are required.

What things are you holding on to that are not really required? Are you accumulating things under the impression that you “need” them? What more would you be able to do in life if you were to realize that what you require are as simple as “food and clothing” to be content?

I believe that too often I am unaware of my circumstances. Not that I am lost or understanding of the things that are going on around me, but I am not aware of where I am and what I should be focusing on in those circumstances.

“¹²I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” — Philippians 4:12 (ESV)

I look at the above and notice that Paul is fully aware of everywhere he finds himself. He knows when abundance is there and when there is need. He is understanding of where he is and what he should be focused on and not whether there is more for him.

I have to be more like Paul in my circumstances. I have to know that where I am I am supposed to be for the glory of God. I am here to serve Him and not myself. Whether there is abundance or need, I have to be there in the moment and look to what God has for me and not what it is that I want.

“¹¹Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹³I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:11&13 (ESV)

God is with me regardless of where I am. My circumstances are not important and my focus should be on Him and less on those things around me. I have to be using the strength He provides to do His work. My highs and lows are not the focus, but the work for Him, and He provides for that work every time. I have to be aware and content. I have to know that where I am, God has me. I have to know that whatever comes my way, He has planned for. I have to go wherever He asks me to do and do whatever He asks me to do. I have to be content in my service to God.

I have a friend that I may have spoken of before and he demonstrated this contentment in the work while he was in high school. He was a valued member of the baseball team and there were a number of games scheduled over the spring break time. He had committed to serve as a counselor on a youth trip with the church and elected for the trip as opposed to the games with high school. Needless to say, he was benched for a couple games for missing. Yet, my friend was content with his decision and focused on the work of God. He ended up playing ball in college and is much the better man for his contentment in that situation.

I have to remember that contentment is in all circumstances. I have to know why and when that why aligns with God, then that is where I am to be.

What circumstances have you been in that you may not have been content? Are you focused on the circumstance or the why you are there? What if you focused on the work of God instead of the circumstance to gain your contentment?

Wow, gluttony is not really something that I immediately think of as a sin. I am just one that has been afforded more than I need and that is not wrong, is it?

Gluttony: 1 – Excess in eating or drinking, 2 – Greedy or excessive indulgence. — Merriam-Webster Online

I know that based on the definition above I think of gluttony in the case of number one as pertains to eating or drinking. And I will say that over the past few years, I have realized that I do not need that second plate of food, and Lori and I have even bought smaller plates to curb some of the over eating that happens in our home.

What I had not really thought of actively was all of the other indulgent behaviors and areas that I have take part in my life. Too many lawn tools that are only used periodically and not even every year. Too many electronic devices. Too much TV watching. All of these seem to fall into the luxuries that are really not needed and lend to bloated feelings as relates to possessions and vices.

As I read and study “gluttony” I again see that this seeming small sin leads to greater sin that can and will overtake the individual. Gluttony leads to greed which leads to envy which leads to pride which leads to anger. All of these, I may find small in themselves, although when combined they are debilitating and demonstrate a character that is less that the example of Christ’s love.

It is contentment and self-control that allows for the overcoming of gluttony. Knowing that I have enough and actively working against the acquiring of more. I have to know that more is not better in the idea of things. It is love and being okay with what I have that will guide me in the direction of focusing and doing of God’s work for His glory and not my own.

I need more of the actions of guying smaller plates and looking to the necessities as opposed to looking to gain more as is typical in the quest for the “American Way”. I have to know that doing the work of God with what I have is more than enough to accomplish His plan for me. God give what I “need” and when appropriate, He will bless me with more and as relates to both, it is my duty to be thankful to Him and His gracious giving. I then need to be sure that I am sharing those gifts with others and not gluttonously holding them for myself.

What do you have in your life that is more than you need? Are you hording the excess and possibly letting it lead to additional sin? What if you were to be content with what you have and demonstrate self-control to not gluttonously work to acquire even more?