Frightened by Freedom

“The Shawshank Redemption” is one of my all-time favorite movies. In the movie, Ellis "Red" Redding has spent his prime wasting away in prison because of a reckless act of violence he committed as a teenager. After 40 years of incarceration, Red finally receives his release to enjoy the freedom for which he's longed. However, he can't free himself from the habit of asking for permission each time he wishes to use the men's room. He's become "institutionalized”. This newfound life scares him, because he's grown accustomed to the structure behind bars.

Imprisonment  had become safe for Red. He didn't have to exercise his own decision-making.

Someone else did the thinking for him, and now, on the outside, he faces a prospect more terrifying than incarceration: freedom. Red confesses that he thinks of various ways to break his parole and return to the security of his prison cell. He sums up his dilemma in one line: "It is a terrible thing to live in fear."

You know, people caught up in legalism are no different than Red—scared to death of the freedom grace brings. It's much easier to retreat to our cells of dos and don'ts. But the church should not protect people by building legalistic walls. It is the prison cell of legalism that keeps us from experiencing real life in Christ.

Galatians 5:1

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

I love you all,

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UPCOMING EVENTS

** We will have potluck today, April 18th, after morning services. Join us for good food and fellowship.

** Justin Brown will be speaking at Happy Church of Christ during their meeting next weekend, April 23-25, titled “Legacy”. Justin’s message, “Living by Faith”, is on Saturday, April 24th, at 7 pm.

** Family Day is Sunday, May 2nd, at Caprock Canyons near Quitaque. We will meet at our usual location, Group Picnic Pavilion #1, for a potluck luncheon of sandwiches, chips, dips, and desserts. Tea and water will be provided. You may bring a cooler with soft drinks and juices for your family. Please make plans to join us for a day of food, fun and fellowship.

** The Children’s Home in Lubbock is asking us to collect boys’ pajamas for this year’s Big Heart campaign. Any size or style will be appreciated. Please bring those pajamas to the office by May 23rd. Thank you!

If you are visiting us today, we are honored you chose us. We hope that today’s time together will help deepen your relationship with God and widen your circle of friends.

We are a church family who seeks to follow Jesus and be true to the Bible.

Please stay around after our assembly so that we might get to know you better. 

Thank you again for worshipping with us today.

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