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Freedom From What?
Brian Mashburn
July 16, 2006
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Freedom From What?
Jesus has a word for you...
"If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (Jn 8:36)
Maybe you have social/political freedom. You are allowed to do whatever you want, basically. You can say what you want, work at what you want, learn what you want, go where you want, any time you want. This is a great freedom. It has been bought with a great price. I'm grateful for it and enjoy it. But I would trade it to have a more glorious freedom.
Maybe you have religious freedom. You have become accustomed to being around church people. You have integrated the life of church people into your own life and it is a useful, normal part of your regular existence. Your thoughts are provoked, ideals are preached, you serve others in their "time of need", you do meaningful chores for the church family. This is a great freedom. There are many out there who have not come to such comfort around church people. But I would trade it to have a more glorious freedom.
Maybe you have moral freedom. You live a disciplined life in regards to ethics and the basics of right and wrong. You stay faithfully away from habitual sin and addictive behavior. You are in control of your passions and never give way to impure desires. You are in control of your truth-telling, good-living, and live in integrity. This is a great freedom. To master sin is a must (Gen. 4:7). But I would trade it to have a more glorious freedom.
What does it mean to have the heart set free? Because that is the freedom I want. I have tried and mastered many kinds of supposed "freedoms" and still freedom for my heart eluded me. Living in a free country, pouring myself into church, and personal reformation of my life didn't loose me from my chains.
Jesus did. His forgiveness and His mission. They have freed me indeed.