PSALM 119:45

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.

TO PONDER

My corporate role at present is in a learning and development capacity focused on the technical risk management aspect of Life and Disability insurance. Part of this risk management process requires a structured internal audit process to measure that the risks being accepted globally, have been undertaken within the businesses set risk framework and tolerance levels. This ensures that accepted risks are charged commensurate premiums. From my experience, the internal audit process in a corporate environment often brings with it a negative perception. That is, the common view is that the process is in place primarily to pedantically highlight instances where individuals have not followed rules and guidelines, and where this is detected, ramifications are brought-down on the respective individual(s). The feeling seems to be that internal audit programs are restrictive in nature and impede an otherwise competent individual with delegated authority, to be able to demonstrate their personal knowledge, experience and to make and own their decisions. 

I (and the colleagues I work with) take the totally opposite view. The corporate risk frame-work and tolerance levels are in place to provide guard-rails for individuals. They provide an individual with the scope to freely use their experience and knowledge in their decision making. These mechanisms are in place to provide individual and corporate protection and ensure decisions are centred on underlying evidence-based research and within regulatory guidelines and law. 

I see great similarities with today’s verse from Psalm 119. Having true freedom for us as Christians does not mean we do whatever we want. Those not of the Christian faith, will likely take the position and even argue that doing what you want means you have worldly freedom.

But today’s scripture wisely points us in the direction of obedience to God and His word as the absolute pathway to freedom. Following God and His teachings, and trying to emulate Him in the way we live our lives should not be viewed as restrictive. Obedience to Him should not be an enemy, a hindrance or a barrier. It should not hamper us or retard our momentum. In fact, it is the doorway to liberty. It is through this freedom that we are released to walk in the life He intended for us. As Christian’s, our obedience as disciples keeps us on the right path, the pathway to our freedom that we have through Him. 

PRAYER: God of liberty. Help me to continue to mature in my faith and my relationship with You, so to fully appreciate Your grace and the gifts that You have given me. Teach and guide me so I am obedient to You, and can progress forward totally unencumbered on the pathway to absolute freedom.  Amen

Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping