I voted today.

Our pastor talked a little on Sunday about the balance between compassion and conviction, which got me thinking.  It's a hard balance indeed.  Today being an election day, personal politics are on the forefront of everyone's mind. 

How do I feel about certain political, social and economic issues?  And, when put to the test, am I willing to put my finances, my family, my actions behind those ideals? 

You see, no matter which side of the political coin you fall on, your vote is the first step in a greater call of action.  We have to believe enough to vote and then, once we do, we've got to act.  It's the freedom from that allows us the freedom to. 

And so it goes with our faith.  It's the freedom from sin that allows us the freedom to (as our pastor put it) finish what Christ started.  We are redeemed to bring others to redemption.

Jeremiah Busby was a criminal sentenced to 80 years in a state penitentiary.  By the age of 14 he had been convicted of two homicides.  When he entered prison he was told he would die there.  And, according to Jeremiah, he did.  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Cor. 5:17  Jeremiah came to know Christ in prison, has since been released, and now works with a former warden in the Breaking Chains Making Amends Foundation, to bring other prisoners to the same light of Christ.

Redeemed to redeem.

Finish what Christ started.   

Freedom in Christ is not a free ride and the political freedom we enjoy in this country isn't one either.  Your vote matters.  Your actions matter even more.

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.  Matthew 28:18-20

XOXO...Kelly


To learn more about the Breaking Chains Making Amends Foundation please visit their website at www.bcmafoundation.com or to hear Jeremiah's testimony please follow this link to Sunday's sermon at The Foundry UMC http://www.foundrychurch.org/worship/?mode=sermons and listen to 11/02/14.