Let God Set You Free
"For, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'" (Romans 10:13)
The Apostle Paul did not say, Everyone who calls on the Lord's name shall always be happy. Nor did it say that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall have an overflowing bank account. It also doesn't say, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be treated nicely every day. It says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Many people fall away from God because their expectations of God are not in line with what God promises in the Bible. Many people misinterpret critical Biblical words, which often has devastating consequences. They deny their faith. For example, many have interpreted "peace" to mean that when God is in your heart, you will experience a life free from discomfort. "God, why am I feeling pain, when you promised me peace?" That isn't the "peace" God is offering. In the same way, many have inaccurate expectations of being "saved."
To be "saved" or receive salvation means that God knows us by name and that our lives do not end in death. Salvation occurs in the here and now and in the time to come. We can live our lives differently, knowing we are saved, "that nothing can separate us" from the Lord. Being "saved" means we can live our lives for others without regard for our salvation. When I say this statement, I think back to Martin Luther. While a young monk, he was continually worried about his eternal salvation. It made him very self-focused so as not to sin. Salvation should have the opposite impact. We need not be so focused on being acceptable to God that we do not have the time or energy to focus beyond ourselves.
God's promise of salvation, or being saved, allows us to relax and not worry about God ever casting us away. It is very freeing. The divine promise leaves us free to reach out to others with love and compassion. God didn't save us so we could sin more or feel superior to those who do not accept God. No, God provides the gift of salvation so we can reach beyond ourselves and focus on others.
Today, think about the spiritual fears you may possess. What concerns do you have about your salvation? How might these concerns keep you self-focused rather than free to respond to others? You can only feel free enough to serve when you no longer live with excruciating guilt and self-judgment. In what ways do you need to ask God for forgiveness? In what areas do you need to forgive yourself? By honestly reflecting on and answering these questions, you will be set free and truly enjoy God's gift of salvation for your life!
This devotion was originally published in April of 2017