What is true freedom? Why is having freedom so significant?
Freedom (according to webster’s dictionary): the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action; liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another
Freedom (according to Strong’s Concordance -G1657): Liberty to do or to omit things having no relation to Salvation -free from Mosaic Law
Having a choice in matters of life is an important factor, and it is one that we should not take for granted. We have fought many battles in this nation and across the world to ensure that the freedom of all people are preserved. Today we are remembering the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his passion for civil liberties of all people regardless of the color of their skin or their place in life. Our nation has been a beacon of freedom for many who have fled their nations because of political or religious persecution.
Having a choice in life coupled with strong moral convictions is a powerful force that cannot be reckoned with. However, if we have choices without foundational truths, it can trap us into great bondage and lead us into destruction!
True freedom is not about living life with no restraint. Freedom has a God given purpose! The 1960’s-1970’s were the era of free love. People became counter-culture and sought free sexuality without consequence. Women demanded their rights along with their birth control pills. The nation legalized abortion in the name of choice because we claimed that without choice there is no freedom! As a matter of fact, January 22nd marks the 53rd anniversary of legalization of abortion. Did we set people free by legalizing abortion? Do our choices always equate with having freedom?
For example, let’s take a look at choices we give our children. If you give your teen-ager the freedom to drive your car whenever they wish, you are giving them a great choice and opportunity. If they understand the magnitude of the privilege, they will utilize the car well and use it when they need to get to school, work, or some other function. However, if they choose to be foolish with their choice, they can drive the car carelessly, load up the car with a few friends and act crazy trying to show off to their friends that they get to drive your car. When a policeman stops them and gives them a ticket for speeding or reckless driving, they are not free anymore!
Just because we are free to choose, it doesn’t mean that our choices continue to bear freedom in our lives. We will do our countrymen a dis-service if we don’t tell them the truth that every choice they make, is a moral decision, which will either lead them into greater freedom or will trap them into bondage.
The scripture tells us:
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
What did Jesus set us free from? This is the subject of the next devotional.
