Freely Speaking with Laura

What’s the catch? That is the question I ask myself whenever I am told something is free. The cynic in me assumes that “free” will cost me something sooner or later. It usually costs me more than I want to pay. We all want to be free from the “catch.” We all want to be liberated.

All men long to be free. Our country was founded on that idea. Freedom led our ancestors to leave their homes and families far behind to find a place where they could live without oppression. They gave up everything hoping to find freedom.

Our constitution offers the citizens of the United States something amazing. People have made their way here for hundreds of years, hoping to partake of what our laws provide. They have given up everything they own and risked their lives to try and get here. Freedom is a magnet that has drawn millions to our shores.

Jesus gave up His perfect life to suffer and die, paying the penalty for our sins. He paid for every awful thing, small or large, we have ever done. He paid for our “catch,” making us truly free from the eternal consequences of our sins. We have true freedom.

People are drawn to freedom; as Christians, we have the ultimate freedom. But what are we doing with it? Is it a magnet to others? Are we living in a way that draws others to the freedom that Christ offers?

“You say, ‘“I am allowed to do anything.’”—but not everything is good for you. You say, ‘“I am allowed to do anything.’”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24 NLT).

Freedom has tremendous power to draw people. If we live our lives concerned for the good of others instead of using our freedom to do what we want, our lives will draw people to Christ.