It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
I watched an interesting video this past week. It is a compilation of dogs refusing to walk through doorways that had always been a barrier to them, but the glass panes or screens had been removed. Here's a link to the video so you can get the context.
After a lifetime of encountering these barriers, these dogs refuse to pass through the now open spaces, regardless the amount of coaxing from their masters. In the dog's mind, the barrier still exists because it has always existed.
The video is at once both entertaining and sobering. It's entertaining because we, as rational humans, think the dogs are being silly for not availing themselves of the freedom that awaits on the other side of the imaginary doors. It's also sobering to think that we "rational" humans exhibit some of the same behaviors when it comes to casting off the remnants of the past that keep us bound from enjoying the freedom we have in Christ.
In church today, Pastor Nathan spoke about the spiritual blessings that we have in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14). But how often have we missed some of those spiritual blessings because we still feel bound by the imaginary doors of our past? We've all been held captive by something in our lives, whether bad habits, negative attitudes, past mistakes, abuse or injustice that we've endured, or any number of things that have created a virtual prison.
When we enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ, we are set free from the bondage that kept us back from receiving all of the spiritual blessings that God has prepared for us to enjoy: peace, forgiveness, joy, hope, love, faith, and so on. But often times, we fail to recognize that there is no longer a barrier separating us from those blessings. Christ has removed their power over our lives. But there we stand at the threshold, paralyzed by the things of the past, and unable to move toward the Master.
Like some of those dogs, we may whine and cry and bemoan our fate, failing to see that there is nothing left to hold us back. It's interesting to see that there is an occasional dog who gladly walks or runs right through the imaginary door. These are the ones who trust their masters enough to know that it's okay to pass that threshold. They represent the believers who have found their freedom in Christ and are no longer restrained by the barriers of the past.
What's holding you back today and preventing you from experiencing all the wonderful spiritual blessings that God wants to bestow upon you? Your sins have been canceled out; they have no power over you. Your mistakes are in the past and do not define you. Those negative tapes that someone else recorded in your head when you were a child are lies and need to be replaced with the tapes of God's message of love, acceptance and deliverance. The people that abused you, bullied you, or deprived you of love and security as a child can no longer hurt you. Walk through those imaginary doors and enjoy the freedom that was bought with a great price, just for you.
Have a blessed week!
Pastor David
