The Cost of Freedom

Hey sis, welcome back! How was your weekend? What did you do? Brunch it up with your girls, take a road trip, or do a little retail therapy aka shopping? Speaking of shopping, I did a little this weekend myself. Did I need to spend money, probably not; but it was for a good cause. Did I count the cost of spending said money? Ummmm not really, but I was on a MISSION to prepare for our I Am Moore content day. By the way, my little green dress did the job and it was cute. But this here blog is about you not me. :-)

Let's move on...

Have you ever counted the cost of a decision you were preparing to make? Have you ever been so mission minded that your eyes never left the prize, and you pushed your way passed the crowd of distractions and obstacles? If you have, this is a time for a Holy Spirit praise break, but if not; let's look at God's word to learn about a man who was focused on the prize and it opened the door to true freedom.

In Luke chapter 19 verses 1 thru 10, a man name Zacchaeus had a mission to meet the man who would change his heart forever. See Zacchaeus was an influential Jewish man who worked as a tax-collector for the Roman government. He was actually considered a traitor in the Jewish community. He would overtax people and keep the excess for himself, he was greedy/selfish. He was not by any means a man with a good reputation or name, and to add insult to injury he was short. (No shade to short folks, we're in this together LOL.) One day, he heard Jesus was coming, so he ran ahead the crowd and climbed a tree so he could watch. As he watched Jesus come by, Jesus looked up at Zacchaeus and called to him.

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

Jesus didn't call him to ridicule him for his short stature, or his wayward ways; He wanted to sit and dine with Zacchaeus. Inspite of the crowds displeasure of Jesus choosing to sit with a known sinner, Zacchaeus was filled with excitement. Being known by Jesus and being in His presence shifted Zacchaeus' heart. He immediately confessed his sins before the Lord and began to make plans to return the money he stole from those he overcharged. At that very moment, his faith became evident and heart forever changed. Receiving true freedom cost him everything, but he gained an eternal inheritance.

Keys to Zacchaeus' Freedom:

• He ran ahead of the obstacle (The crowd which obstructed his vision)

• He repositioned himself. (He climbed a tree. Going to higher heights to see Jesus)

• He was called by name. (Not by his reputation, He was accepted as he was)

• He bypassed the naysayers (He heard the call over the noise of ridicule)

• He accepted the invitation. (Swiftly acted in obedience)

• His faith was ignited, and repentance hit his heart. (He encountered the one & only change agent)

Sis, it's your turn!

What will total freedom in Christ cost you?

• Are you willing to let go of an earthly reputation for a kingdom calling? Remember our approval or applause from mankind is in no comparison to the approval of God.

• Are you willing to hear the heavenly invitation of God's heart rather than the temporal invitation of spiritual death/decay? Remember, the wages of sin is a spiritual death, forever separated from God.

• Are you willing to shift your heart posture to that of obedience over self-centered gain. What will you gain if you lose your soul for the world? Nothing.

Just like Zacchaeus, we must have a deep desire for more. More of Jesus and less of ourselves! There is so much peace, joy, and wisdom when we walk sure footed with Christ. He is freedom, true freedom, eternal freedom. Be free in Him, live like Him, think like Him, and love like Him. Today is your invitation sis. GO WITH FREEDOM!

"Jesus responded, ' salvation has come to this home TODAY, for this man has shown himself to be a son of Abraham. And I the Son of Man, have come to seek and save those like him who are lost."

This week meditate on 2 Corinthians 3:17.

Stay tuned for more details on our Abide & Bloom Women of Faith Summit! You don't want to miss this!