Freedom in My Soul

by Micael Shields

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as 

well.” — Matthew 6:33 (NIV) 

REFLECT

As I look at the context of this verse, the wisdom of Jesus is simple, deep and opposite 

of our natural tendencies. Jesus is in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount — His 

longest recorded sermon. A primary theme of the sermon is the true freedom found in 

being a citizen of God’s kingdom. 

Jesus begins this section of His message talking about the foolishness of spending 

all our energy storing up earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19-21). As this passage speaks to my 

heart, Jesus is talking about my natural mindset and condition — to focus on myself and 

what I believe to be best. I so often fall into the trap of finding “freedom” in my bank account 

or the applause of others or building my own kingdom. Instead, Christ asks me to lift my gaze 

and focus away from me and onto my King. By focusing on the King and abiding by His ways, 

I experience true freedom!

 When I experience freedom in my soul, I know that I am in Christ (John 8:36, 1 

John 4:18). This freedom compels me to be generous, just as my King is generous to me. I 

no longer seek the praise of others. I no longer want the recognition and power. I no longer 

place my value and security in the almighty dollar. Instead, I bow before The Almighty and 

offer everything to Him out of the overflow of a heart that has been set free!

RESPOND

Father, thank You for bringing me into Your kingdom. May I daily find freedom in You 

alone. I pray that this freedom compels me to be generous with my time, talent and 

treasure. I ask that You would take what little I have and use it to influence those with 

Your Word to be generous to those who need your Scripture. I ask that Your kingdom come to 

Earth, and that all may live generously because of the freedom we have in Christ. Amen.