Devotional
Prison or Freedom
John 8:36.
“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”True Freedom is found only in Christ.
The other night I dreamt I was part of a community living in a prison. The prison was very much like a resort, though. Lush grass and vegetation grew everywhere. We moved freely anywhere we wanted within the walls. And, we worked at meaningful tasks. At the end of the day, we were encouraged to participate in numerous recreational activities. For instance, we could play tennis or chess, listen to music, or paint pictures. But, it was a prison. We knew we might suffer severe consequences if we passed through the gates to the outside.
At one point a group of prisoners, including myself, began to feel hampered and frustrated by our imprisonment. We wondered what kind of adventures and pleasures we might find outside of the walls. So, after considerable discussion, we determined to escape. One night we snuck out the gates. Imagine our surprise when no one challenged us or chased after us!
At first, we enjoyed our freedom. We explored new territory and stayed up late at night. We sat around doing nothing for hours at a time. But, after searching for a couple of days, we discovered that there was no food to be found outside the prison walls. Our hunger forced us back inside to eat. We solved that problem by going inside the prison walls for meals and leaving again right away. Since no one seemed to care, we eventually gave up all attempts to hide what we were doing.
Outcry is the Youth Ministry at BridgeWay Church in Denver, CO www.bridgeway.us
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Eventually, it dawned us that we had lived much better lives inside than we were experiencing outside. For all our talk of freedom, we were actually bored, nervous, frustrated, and unhappy. So, we talked it over and decided to return on a permanent basis. Upon returning, we settled in to the routine of daily life again. We enjoyed the green grass and recreational activities provided for us. We took up our jobs again and found that we enjoyed the work.
Over time, we grew to understand that the warden was generous, loving, and benevolent. He provided all we needed and more. He made sure we were comfortable and at peace. It became clear to us that living inside the walls was much more satisfying and fulfilling than living in need and continual stress outside.
Sometimes we get antsy about living according to God’s rules and principles. We come to believe that He is like a prison warden who wants to take all the fun out of life. And, we may even leave His protection in order experience life outside. He doesn’t stop us from leaving the safety and abundance of His kingdom. But, He does let us experience the stresses, fears, and dangers that lurk outside the walls. More than that, He allows us to experience the prisons we can make for ourselves by seeking to live outside of His love. While there may be a sense of adventure in rebellion, we place ourselves at great risk the moment we step outside God’s protection. Even our basic needs remain unmet—the needs of security, spiritual nourishment, and contentment.
God has made it clear that inside His protective walls I have everything I could ever need, along with great blessings, incredible adventure, and joy. God guards my life for my own welfare. He makes sure that I experience true freedom on every level when I intentionally place myself under His authority.
Today’s Prayer:
Thank you Lord, for teaching me that living under your authority is the only way to experience life to the fullest. Please remind me often of the benefits of living within the walls of your protection and provision. Also, keep me aware of the dangers that lurk outside the walls so I’m not tempted to sneak out the gate. Amen.Written by Martha E Menne
Outcry Youth Ministry • BridgeWay Church •8556 E. Warren Avenue • Denver, CO 80231 • 303-695-8400 • jessica@bridgeway.us