With Scripture, God gives us all the answers we need as we embrace the hope of a new year. His Word can help us focus on a direction for the year ahead, instead of a resolution that fails by month’s end.
Let’s look to God as we choose a word of the year – a theme to help us live our faith with intention and purpose. This quiz can help you discover a theme from Scripture. One word to help you make decisions, manage your emotions, and make the best of each day.
My word of the year is freedom. Today, I’ll share what freedom means for a Christian and highlight four ways we are free in Christ. Let’s dive in.
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What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?
Modern culture has changed what it means to be a Christian. Many people think going to church or believing in God makes them a Christian. The Bible offers a different definition and perspective.
A Christian is someone whose behavior and speech and heart reflects Jesus Christ. Doing good works is admirable, but it doesn’t make someone a Christian. Being a Christ follower is a condition of the heart.
A Christian is someone who trusts Jesus Christ for eternal salvation – and seeks to follow Him in daily life. To put it another way, a Christian embraces Jesus as both Savior and Lord (or master). Read more here.
What Freedom Means for Christians
My word of the year is freedom. If freedom is your focus word, too, what does that mean for the new year and beyond? Let’s take a look at freedom from a biblical perspective – what freedom means for Christians. Because of Christ, we are:
1. Free in Truth and Spirit
Jesus spoke to the people who believed in Him. âIf you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples,” He said. “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.â (John 8:31-32)
“We are Abrahamâs descendants and have never been enslaved to anyone,” said the people. “How is it that You say, âYou will become freeâ?â (John 8:33)
And Jesus answered, âEveryone who commits sin is a slave of sin. Now the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.â (John 8:34-36)
2. Free from Sin’s Power
We all sin and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). There isn’t a righteous person on earth who always does good and never sins. What’s more, our sinful human nature is powerful.
The apostle Paul knew this (Romans 7:18-23), and I know it well. As a believer trying to live the Christian life, I’m often frustrated by my inconsistency. The things I want to do for Christ, I fail to do. Yet, I do the very things I don’t want to do.
What Christian doesn’t know this predicament? But “thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25) Christ’s redemption saved us from the power, guilt, and penalty of our sins. (Romans 8:1-2, Ephesians 2:1-9).
3. Free to Serve Others
Service is also what freedom means for Christians. Elisabeth Elliot wrote “FreedomâŠbegins not with doing what you want but with doing what you ought.” With discipline, service, and humility (Matthew 23:11-22). Christians are free to serve others.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Galatians 5:13-14)
4. Free in Forgiveness
“All things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you for your offenses.” (Mark 11:24-25).
Christians are free in forgiveness, but itâs not always easy. Forgiveness can be challenging, depending on what or who you must forgive. God knows how hard it can be for us to forgive, and He walks with us through the process.
Unforgiveness stands in our way of getting to where God wants us. Is there any unforgiveness in your life? Pray about it, ask God to heal your pain, and lean into Him as you move into forgiveness.
Filament Bible | Devotional Journal
Resources to Help You Grow Your Faith
Now that you know what freedom means for Christians, it’s time to get ready for the new year. DaySpring has new resources to help you grow your faith. Start each day in His Word with the Wide Margin Filament Bible. Or use a daily devotional like Release: 90 Days to Embrace God’s Plans for Your Life to stay focused on Him.
Surround yourself with everyday items that remind you of your theme – like this ceramic mug or a mango wood cross. And if you need a daily planner, grab the new Homemakerâs Friend. It will help you stay on task and free you to serve others.
Wrapping It Up
Is freedom YOUR word of the year, or did you choose a different theme? No matter. This year, allow yourself to find freedom in Christ, not in the world. He is always with you. Because of that, you can face anything life throws your way. â»ïž
Related Posts
- 10 Christian Quotes That Will Inspire You in the New Year
- What If You Replaced Your New Yearâs Resolution with a Word?
- What is Freedom? 16 Bible Verses for Independence Day
Now It’s Your Turn
Thank you for reading my post. Now itâs YOUR turn to chime in. What is your word of the year? How does it represent what you hope God will do in you this year?
Letâs fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to leave a reply, ask a question, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.
Blessings, Annette
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Photo Sources
- Jasmina007 / Getty Images Signature | Canva | License
Reference Sources
- Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
- Compassion International
- Daring Daughters
- DaySpring Word of the Year Quiz
- Desiring God
