Made for More: 30 Days of Experiencing More Life, Love, and FreedomSample

Day 26: Captivity

You know those big family groups you always see at resorts or theme parks, all wearing matching t-shirts with names and a fun slogan? The ones you might chuckle at—until you realize, “Oh wait... that’s us!” That was my family in 2011. We gathered nineteen Thompsons together at Disney World to celebrate my parents’ fiftieth wedding anniversary. It’s what they wanted—and it turned out to be an unforgettable time.

One of our favorite stops was Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We wandered winding paths through lush, zoo-like environments. The enclosures were large and natural-looking—impoundments more than cages—but still, the animals were walled in.

We took the Safari Ride and got up close to animals in what appeared to be their natural habitat. Florida had been transformed into Africa. Around one corner, we saw Pride Rock—home to a lion pride lying peacefully in the sun. Our guide began her talk about African lions as we all reached for our phones. But as I scanned the scene, something struck me. The gazelles we’d just seen... the zebras waiting ahead on the trail... they were completely safe.

Because the lions were contained.

Held back. Held in check. These majestic creatures looked like lions, but something was missing. They weren’t living wild and free. They were behind boundaries—captive. Their lives didn’t look bad, but they weren’t what lions were meant for. Things weren’t right.

This reminds me of Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia. These new believers were being drawn back into an old religious system—a performance-based way of living that held people captive. They weren’t being strong enough to stay the course with what Paul had originally taught them; they were being pressured into a gospel of doing more by the 1st century Judaizers and Pharisees. Earn love. Measure up. Be good.

It’s no wonder it had an impact on these young impressionable believers in Galatia. Many of us grew up hearing something similar, that it was better to be a “good” boy or girl, rather than a loved one. But the Gospel of More is not about behavior—it’s about intimacy and love, love that leads to healing and transformation.

To be loved by God... what would that look like? Feel like? What would it do to us? That is the true offer of freedom: to be unconditionally loved for who you are, not conditionally loved for what you do. No striving. No grades. No performance. No recitals, Not tryouts. No social media likes, No reviews. Just being invited to meet the true you, like, maybe even love you, and fully be able to be yourself in the Kingdom. WOW! Even writing it gets my heart rate up.

Very few of us truly know this way of life, who we are, where we are (how it all works) and the good God is up to in our lives healing, training, initiating and validating us. But that can change. That’s why being loved is ground zero for healing and restoration. It’s how we begin to live the life God has always intended for us.

So what would it look like for you to take one step, the next step toward that Life of more today?

As you reflect on all this with God today, consider asking Him:

Father, I consent to being loved. I give You my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Would You show me something about myself that You deeply love?

Jesus, I take my place in Your Kingdom as a loved son or daughter. Where have I been living from my false self—trying to earn love or prove my worth? Where might I still be partnering with a performance mindset?

Father, is there one phrase or sentence that feels like it’s just for me today? Would You help me hear it clearly and understand why it matters?