The Price of Freedom

Today I was with a man who had to have part of his foot amputated due to an infection.  As I spent time with this man I could not help but think of Jesus’ words concerning amputation. Even with today’s advanced technology not every infection can be cured without amputation.

 

The decision to amputate a patient’s limb due to infection is only made after there has been repeated treatment with antibiotics to treat the source of the infection. The doctors only decide to take a limb when they determine it is in the best interest of the patients body to be separated from an infectious source.  

 

Many times in our life God has to prune us as a tree to ensure that we grow up strong and healthy. This principle really hit home as I spent time contemplating what it would be like to lose a limb or a portion of a limb. The scripture is clear that we should bear fruit that remains. The cost of fruitfulness is sacrifice.

 

Biblically speaking less is more, it cost God allowing the Branch to be cut off from fellowship with the Father while on the cross so I could live. I am so thankful to be grafted into the Vine. Oh that we would not literally cut off our members but spiritually mortify the deeds of the flesh that we might honor the one who was cut off for us.

 

Mark 9:45-46

  And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:  46  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.