There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. - Romans 8:1

People often mistakenly think that becoming a Christian and following the Word of God will create painful restrictions on their lives, and keep them from having the freedom to enjoy their life.

But that could not be farther from the truth. In Romans 8:1, we find one of the most empowering and liberating gifts we are given when we accept Christ as our personal Savior.

Ultimately, Romans 8:1 gives us a key to the answering the question, "How is it possible to live in our complex world - and experience true freedom?" Because another way to understand what true freedom through Christ means is to ask ourselves, "What things enslave me - keep me bound and imprisoned...and how can I be freed from them?"

"Condemnation" holds the root word "damn," and comes from the French and Latin words meaning "with harm," "damage," "loss"; in certain usage it reflects, "doom to eternal perdition." It evokes a kind of labeling, imprisonment, and confining to a dreadful state - and it comes with a label, a definition of "bad" -- a speaking and pronouncement of wrong-doing.

I believe this is exactly what happens when we allow ourselves to be "labeled" by others in the world - judged in "the flesh." We are "condemned" by the thoughts, ideas, prejudices, and wrong-thinking "stereotyping" of others. But when it comes to human behavior, and our definitions of whether human behavior is good or bad, there is only one irrefutable, totally reliable source for labels and definitions: the Word of God.

Millions have been taught wrong labels and definitions for their lives by people who did not first consult God's Word. Parent or other influential people may have said to a child, "You are bad. You are stupid. You are unwanted." Or placed them in a situation of rejection or isolation.

Romans 1:8 tells us that, as Christians, we are freed from that kind of negative attack because we have now chosen to walk, "not after the flesh," but "after the Spirit." We are re-born - and realize we are now free from the labels, untruths, value judgements, and toxic thoughts of those who live by the flesh.

Because we are created in the likeness and image of God and His Spirit. We are free to walk in the only true set of labels and definitions of a child of God: because through Him we are intelligent, worthy, valueable; we are lovable, and have the ability to give and receive love; we are capable, redeemable...and free - through Christ Jesus.

I say, "thank-you, Lord" - for that incredible freedom everyday, all day long. Thank-you Lord - for the freedom You have given us through Your Son, Our Lord, Jesus!

A life coach, author, and highly sought after motivational speaker, Pastor Paula White is the host of her own television program -- Paula Today, which reaches an audience of 2.3 billion people worldwide, spearheading a number of global humanitarian efforts. Her mission in life is to Transform Lives, Heal Hearts and Win Souls. For more information about Paula, log onto www.paulawhite.org. *Pastor Paula White is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist.

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