What is Freedom?
What do you think of when you hear the word, freedom? Freedom by definition simply means the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance.
As we become a society that drifts further and further away from the Truth found in God’s Word it may seem as if our freedom is in jeopardy. We easily see our beloved America swiftly changing. From pandemics to paper shortages, wars to inflation, heated controversies to evil attacks; it is causing a ripple effect of dire consequences. People are hurting. Our country is hurting. What was once deemed “united” appears to be more divisive than ever before. It is clear that our country is spiritually sick. And the moral decay is causing mass confusion and a heap of destruction in its wake. How did we get here? What’s causing this?
The culprit – sin.
Romans 3:23 says for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We live in a broken and fallen world. We are merely broken and messy ourselves. But, on the same token, hold tightly to this Truth – You are made in the image of Christ (Psalm 139:13-14) and you have a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). Read that again. You are made in the image of Christ and have a purpose!
Freedom isn’t freely given. It’s bought with a price. America is known as the land of the free because of the brave men and women that fight to keep it free. Yet, as a culture we are waging war against that freedom with the sin of our flesh. It isn’t just the freedom found in America that is under attack either, it’s the freedom we have in Christ. But, what many don’t understand is that as a follower of Christ, we live in a different kind of freedom. Freedom that was also bought with a price., and can never be removed from us, no matter what the world may tell you!
It may feel as if your freedoms are slipping away, but now is your chance to stand up and be set apart. (2 Timothy 2:21) Being a Christian in today’s society may make you feel like an outcast. But, Jesus was also an outcast. You may feel misunderstood. At times, Jesus was also misunderstood. It may feel as if the world is against you as you strive to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly as Micah 6:8 commands us. Jesus understood that all too well.
As you navigate a lost and confused world and our country appears to be growing darker, we are called to not conform to its wicked pattern but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2 is commanding us to be firm in our faith and equip our minds by filling it with Truth. (Notice that is truth found in God’s Word)
Now is your chance to be brave. As a believer, you have a choice. Follow the sinful ways of this world or follow Christ. My prayer is that you seek Truth and follow the latter. As you navigate this life, here are three questions you can ask yourself as situations arise, leaving you questioning what to believe.
Does it honor life?
God is the maker and sustainer of life. He created all things and loves His creation. We are who we are because of God. When we live in a manner that holds all life valuable, we honor God and the life He created.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
As believers we acknowledge Christ died for us and recognize our freedom is found in His selfless sacrifice. That should prompt us to treat life as a means to bring glory to God. We also hold fast to the Truth that God has our days numbered (Job 14:5) and we are not to take our life or the life of others into our own hands.
If it does not honor life, it does not honor God.
Does it honor love?
God is love. His Word is full of verses that declare His infinite love for us. (Ephesians 2:4-5, Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 36:5 to name a few) God also commands us to love one another and tells us how. A well-know verse that is read at many weddings is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
If we all loved like this, the world would be a much better place.
God gives us an order to our relationships, too. First and foremost, starting with our relationship with Him (Deuteronomy 6:4) God also provides a beautiful design for a marriage between a husband and a wife found in Ephesians 5, and Proverbs 22:6 tells us how to raise our children. The Bible shares how to live with everyone, including our enemies, in which He insists we pray for them! (Matthew 5:44)
If it does not honor love in the way God shares with us in His Word, it does not honor God. Does it honor Jesus?
Growing up we had bracelets with the abbreviation W.W.J.D. meaning What Would Jesus Do?
If our choices lined up more to what Jesus would do I think we would have a lot less division in this world. So, what would Jesus do? Jesus would speak truth. Show compassion, kindness and patience. Offer forgiveness. Pray without ceasing. And the list goes on. That may sound daunting and unattainable. And truth be told, it is, because we are not Jesus. But we can strive to still live like Him in our broken bodies.
Galatians 5:22 tells us the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control. This verse is a great way to model our life. The best part is as believers we have the Holy Spirit that resides inside of each of us, and we have the ability to tap into the Holy Spirit for discernment when choices arise.
If it doesn’t represent or make us more like Jesus, it does not honor our God.
Our country may feel as if it is heading in the wrong direction, but that doesn’t mean you have to! You may choose to not agree with certain circumstances or situations. They may not line up to God’s Word. They may not honor life, love or Jesus.
But…Remember you were bought with a price on that rugged cross. You were created for such a time as this. God has a plan and purpose for your life in this exact moment. So, be set free to live boldly! Be the change in this world that desperately needs more of Jesus!
