Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

John 8:36

Free to define who I am, but not to define who you are.

…Free to reach out to others, but not to make myself responsible for their choices.

…Free to love but not to lean.

…Free to submit, but not to be a doormat.

…Free to talk, but not at the cost of listening.

…Free to believe, but not without asking questions.

…Free to be positive, but not to be a Pollyanna.

…Free to face issues, but not to lose sight of priorities.

…Free to state my beliefs, but not to harbor anger or bitterness when your beliefs are different from mine.

…Free to dream, but not to forget that the dreams come from God.

…Free to fail and make mistakes, but not to abandon my dreams because I’ve failed.

…Free to see living as a privilege, not as a problem.*

Prayer:  Lord, please touch my heart with your finger of love. Leave a print that will set me free.

*Portions of this meditation are from Janet Congo, “Free To Be God’s Woman.”

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ as made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Galations 5:1

I once read about a tribe of Africans who used a unique technique to catch a monkey. They cut a small hole in a large, choice pumpkin and placed many seeds and nuts inside. The “smart” monkey comes along and sticks his hand into the hole of the pumpkin. Once inside, he gathers a big handful of seeds and then tries to pull his hand out. The hole isn’t large enough  for the monkey’s full hand to come out. Now, the monkey  could simply let go of the “good stuff,” pull his hand out, and be on his way. Instead, the greedy monkey refuses to let go, so he is caught. The Africans return after a little while to carry the captured monkey home to their village.

We say, “What a silly monkey!” Yet, aren’t we just like him? We greedily put ourselves into compromising positions, hoping that if we can just hold on long enough, we will go home with the “prize.” Instead, we end up in bondage.

What am I holding onto that is keeping me away from God’s best for my life? Is it money? Is it jealousy? Is it bitterness? Is it adulterous fantasies? Whatever it is, I will let it go today.

Prayer:  Lord, give me the good sense to let go of the things that entangle me and reach out to the One who sets me free.