True Freedom

As we celebrate freedom in our country, we remember the courage of those who fought for us through the years. My dad was among those who fought in Europe in WW2. It takes continued courage to maintain those freedoms.

True freedom has a spiritual side. It is the practice of choosing not just what we ourselves want, but what is good and what is helpful for those we live with as well. We must be careful not to use our freedom as a cover-up for evil (1 Peter 2:16). Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. A good question to ask is, “What is the motive behind the choices I make?” Are our motives based only on what we want or think we need? Often we don’t even think about what the real consequences of our choices will be. King David was an example of someone who could do what he wanted and did. But he learned that self-focused choices brought unavoidable consequences. When he turned back to God in remorse however, God forgave him. David later wrote, “Keep your servant from willful sins; may they not rule over me” (Psalm 19:13).

Choosing something that is not part of God’s best for us actually wars against our soul (1 Peter 2:11). The intent of our enemy, Satan, is to lure us into evil that would kill and destroy us. But God’s plan is to bring goodness and abundant life to our souls and bodies (John 10:10).

Here’s the problem: although we mostly want to do what’s right, sometimes we just give in to what we know is not God’s best. For example, my downfall is sweets. I can eat healthy foods all day, but in the evening, I often crave something sugary. Just a little won’t hurt I rationalize. But a little is never enough for us. We want more! The trouble is that momentary “pleasure” can easily turn into regret and bad habits. Jesus warned, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (John 8:14). So what’s the solution?

True freedom only is found in following Jesus. He died in our place to set us free from the consequences of sin. He said, “If you hold to My teachings…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31.32). Through Jesus we have been set free from the powers of sin and death (Romans 8:2). When we choose to surrender to Him, we begin to recognize that bad choices do not have to rule over us!

Early in life, I often chose to be a procrastinator. When my mom called me to dust the piano, I’d say, “I will,” meaning, “not now, later.” In school I turned in several English assignments late because perfectionism hindered me from just diving in and getting it done. But one day years later, I asked myself, why should I identify as a procrastinator? That’s not who I am in Christ! He has set me free from bad habits, and to that I will hold. Sure, I mess up…often. But, like David, I can receive God’s forgiveness and His help to get back on the path forward.

I found freedom in letting go of what I assumed was okay and trusting God’s way instead. It’s an ongoing process, but it brings joy in discovering that His way is really better after all!

You can be free from whatever holds you back, and free to make good choices because Jesus gave His life to set you free. That’s true freedom!

“May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” Peter Marshall