For today’s Faithful Friday post, I would like to share some thoughts I have been having about freedom. It all started when I read this quote this morning…

“Frugality may be termed the daughter of Prudence, the sister of Temperance, and the parent of Liberty” -Samuel Johnson

What struck me about this quote is the idea that frugality leads to freedom. Making wise choices with your resources leads to the freedom to be able to live and give as you desire. Spending wisely means no longer living in slavery to financial debt. Isn’t it interesting how what we interpret as restricting is often the very thing that frees us.

This principle operates in so many areas of our lives. Setting boundaries on time leads to having more of it. Taking care of our bodies by eating healthy and exercising (which can feel burdensome) leads to the freedom that a healthy body can bring. This principle also operates in our spiritual life.

Although God is loving and full of grace, He also calls His children to live an obedient and disciplined life. The beautiful thing about these requirements is that they actually lead to a fuller life by leading to a fuller experience of Him. God is not a vengeful and restrictive taskmaster, and He isn’t holding out on us- even though there are days when it feels that way. Rather, I must constantly remind myself that He is a loving Father who has gone to the ends of the earth to set us free. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and longs for nothing more than for us to experience it. Living in light of His boundaries truly does lead to freedom.

Some days are easier than others, but for today, I am resting in the safety and freedom that boundaries can bring.