What is freedom to you? We all have different definitions. Sometimes we think of freedom as our younger days, when we had less responsibilities and commitments. When we could go somewhere, and not have to worry about when we were coming back, or how long we stayed. Other times, freedom is something we think of when we think of the USA, and how we are free to pursue life, liberty and happiness. For some freedom is realized in the truth that they are no longer incarcerated, or no longer living in addiction. For others, freedom is a diagnosis that the cancer is gone, the disease is cured. Some experience freedom when they are “empty nesters” and have a new ability to do things. Some, feel freedom when they leave a certain job, or move from a particular town. I think that the key in all of this is that in whatever arena of life, freedom is seen as being set free from things that we feel hold us back in some way. (Please no email about me disparaging commitment, or parenthood! Lol) But, there is no greater freedom than the freedom that Jesus gave us on the cross. Galatians 5:1 is one of my favorite passages of the Bible and it reminds us of this, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” I know a lot of folks who see Christianity as a burden, as something that holds them back from enjoying life the way they think they should. But, the truth is that through Jesus we are able to truly be set free from what DOES hold us back. Sin, is weight around our neck that drags us down, and it prevents us from experiencing the life that God wants for us. And for that reason, Jesus came to earth, died on the cross, and rose again on the third day. So that you and I could be free, so that you and I wouldn’t have to be slaves to sin, so that you and I could have life, and have it abundantly. Freedom, true freedom comes from the forgiveness of God, it comes through the promise of Salvation, and the truth that this life is not all there is. True freedom happens when you realize that God knows everything about you, and still loves you unconditionally. True freedom happens when you come to grips with the fact that Christianity isn’t about what you do for God, but about what God, in Jesus, did for you.
True freedom is knowing that “… there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”