Freedom of choice. We all scream about it when we don't get our way. "It's our right!" we scream, "it's my right!" And sometimes believe just because we are Americans, and have that freedom, that it is universal. Sorry, another myth exposed. For only in God are you truly free, and only in Christ do you have the freedom to choose, and find real freedom. But your choice will not necessarily set you free.
Yusef Islam sold over 25 million records in the late sixties and into the seventies. A super star of his time. He not only sang, but played guitar and was a great songwriter. But somewhere along the way, he got involved in Islamic beliefs, and became a Moslem in the late seventies. At that point he put down his guitar, and refused to ever sing again, believing that by not using the gifts that God has given him he was glorifying Allah. And for 30 years never sang, and never played guitar. Trying to please a false God, who among his 99 characteristics does not include love. But does include harsh rules, and no promise of heaven when you die. You live your whole life hoping, but never knowing. And you never experience peace. Something, peace, still such a chanting point of liberals who tell us "to do your own thing," except when it comes to Jesus. But after 30 years, he picked up his guitar and now sings again. His voice, as beautiful as ever, but 30 years of joy robbed from him by a false God who inflicts personal pain and suffering to his believers. Where is the freedom in that? 25 million albums, and you still don't remember him?
Sorry, I forgot to tell you his real name. Cat Stevens. Now does it ring a bell? Songs that were so beautiful, and continued to be played and sung for 30 years, despite his self inflicted wounds of denial. With no rewards for his action-it didn't get him closer to God one inch. And watching a documentary on him, which I turned off after a short while, Moslem clerics, and so called experts mostly agreed what he did what not found in the Koran, and only some fringe sects would demand it. Personally, they were glad to hear his music again. And I am too.
Religion, the base word of it, means binding. Like to tie you up and restrict you. Sound familiar? And I don't listen to anyone, any group, or any so-called experts debate Christianity either. Jesus was against religion, for He was the true author of freedom. He promised to set you free, if you followed Him and walked by the spirit. Truth, He calls it. But today too many churches, denominations, or cults demand your allegiance, and invade the freedom of the Holy Spirit. Joining their membership,putting fiscal demands on their congregation, and demanding works to prove their devotion to God. All things not found in the Bible, but taught from pulpits. And sadly followed by people who never get the full benefit of knowing Jesus Christ.
You don't have to be a cult member to deny Jesus, just not follow Him. And those that debate Him only lose, because once you engage in an argument, you both lost. For it is not knowledge, family genealogy, denominational doctrines, or self denial that sets you free-each one of those will have its own kind of binding influence-religion is the name we call it. And will only rob you of joy, and get between you and God. A true God demands a choice, but does not force Himself on you. A loving God is there for you, and sacrificed His son so you can be reunited with Him. For even in our most altruistic moments, we will always fall short. Sadly, so many religions only tell you to listen, only in Christ do you have someone who will listen to you. He is the Way!
In Cat's beautiful song, Father and Son, listen to it on YouTube, and listen to the words. A pre-Harry Chapin, and gentler Cat's Cradle. Sometime in your life, God will make Himself known to you, and you must give an answer to who Jesus Christ is. His song states, "it hard, but it's harder to ignore it." Don't ignore the calling on your heart today to accept Jesus. Don't let God become the same old story and turn away.
For there is a way, His name is Jesus. Don't throw away your life for nothing like Yusef Islam did. Enjoy all the freedom God desires for you, more than you can imagine or ask for yourself. For there is a way-and those who choose Jesus will never regret. Don't be the son who turns away, but be the one who turns to the Son.
And pray for Yusef and those others like him looking for love in all the wrong places. Freedom to choose also allows a wrong decision. Don't throw away your life over trying to please a false God. Choose God and live. True freedom, only found in Jesus.
Yusef, I hope you get the message. It's a wild world, and hard to get by with just a smile.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com