by Naomi Moon

Joyfully Work

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So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32 English Standard Version

It’s easy to picture freedom on a wide open field, with nothing blocking your view. Through the eyes of a three-year-old, there is no care in the world as you look out and imagine all you can do in the world. Chasing goats, watching cows, feeding the sheep. There is freedom in these chores, knowing the tasks and boundaries that allow us to joyfully attend our work. 

In Christ, we have boundaries that give us the ultimate freedom. We live according to Christ’s Word, in his will and his image, so that we might have the freedom to live our life in assurance of his glory. We have confidence in our identity, our standing before the Father, and the love that he has for us, in that he gave his life for us on a cross and was resurrected from the dead. 

On this day, we celebrate the freedom we have in our country, based on the sacrifice and courage of others. We can now joyfully attend our work, living in the freedom that has been given to us. Today, look around at the tasks and chores. Remember that these are the things that we can do joyfully because of the freedom we have. Ultimately, we can live out our vocations knowing that the freedom we have in Christ and his truth is assured. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for all of those who have sacrificed on our behalf for the sake of our freedom. Thank you for the ultimate freedom we have through your sacrifice on the cross. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado