Happy Monday everyone! Today is a great day to be a child of God living in the United States of America. In keeping with my promise, I'm not looking to post anything negative here. I have thoughts and opinions on many subject matters going on in this world. If you'd like to know them, call me up and let's go get a cup of coffee. I'd be glad to chat!
However, for today, let's focus on the beauty of using freedom to love and serve others. It's an old story, but one worth repeating. Pat Tillman had a successful football career going in the NFL. He played Safety for the Arizona Cardinals. In 2002, Tillman left in the midst of his success and joined the U.S. Army. He turned down a 3.6 million dollar contract to serve his country. He had absolute freedom as an American to play football, enjoy life, and even complain about the things of the world he didn't like from afar. Instead, he did something noble with his freedom. He served.
He became an Army Ranger, served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and eventually lost his life during service to our country. In 2014, while I was in Bagram, Afghanistan, I saw a USO building named after Pat Tillman. It immediately gave me chills, thinking about the amazing fact that Pat gave up so many selfish things that he had the right to as an American, to serve.
Even more, it reminded me of an even greater story....that of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, had the power of God. However, instead of using that for gain, he emptied Himself, took on the form of a servant and sacrificed Himself for our sin. (Philippians 2:5-11)
Jesus didn't see freedom as a way to serve Himself, but as the opportunity to serve others! What a privilege it is to serve others!
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13
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