What is the greatest freedom which mankind may possess? We often think of it as being able to do whatever we want, whenever we want—without any limitations. We often believe that the ability to satisfy our every earthly desire is the ultimate experience of freedom. Unfortunately, this thinking often enslaves us to the things which never satisfy us.
God has given us a much more secure and substantial freedom. His freedom is eternal and completely independent of earthly circumstances. We receive it when Christ frees our soul and spirit. Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) What does this mean?
Whenwe are born again, Christ frees us from the inside—our spirit isn’t restricted by earthly forces unless we choose to enslave it. We can be enslaved by money, possessions, school, work, love, sex, drugs, alcohol, depression, worry, etc. However, God gives our born- again soul and spirit the ability to live completely free. The Bible says, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17b) There are no chains which can bind God’s Spirit. When He is in us, we experience the most remarkable freedom on earth. God’s Spirit gives us the choice to live in freedom: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) However, we only experience God’s freedom when our belief in the truth of God’s Word is compelling enough to change us. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) Love is the evidence that we live in freedom.
The Bible says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:13-14) Many have sacrificed to give us the freedom we enjoy today; Christ sacrificed to give us the freedom we possess for eternity!
Kimberly F Lowe | https://gofaithstrong.com/
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