Freedom?

Last weekend our nation celebrated its independence. Over 200 years ago, a group of men were willing to stand up and declare their independence from the nation of Britain.

Since our nation was founded, it seems as though many people have lost the point of our freedom. While freedom does enable each person to strive to be the best they can be, there is also a responsibility with freedom to consider what is in the best interests of the community.

For many in our nation today, it appears as though individual liberty has become a reason to do whatever is best for the individual. This misses the point as far as I am concerned.

I feel like sometimes the church has suffered the same misconception. We have been convinced that our freedom in Christ is something that sets us free to do as we please. But I don’t think that is exactly what Jesus had in mind. Our freedom is not freedom to do as we please. Paul himself wrote, You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)

As a community of believers, God calls us to put the needs of others first. Our freedom is not a license to live as we please. It is permission to be all we can be, free from the bondage of sin. We no longer need to focus on our mistakes. Rather, we can focus on serving others.

God never intended for His Law to be a burden. Starting with the story of creation in Genesis 1, and throughout the rest of the Bible, God desires for us to live life abundantly.

As we reflect on our independence as a nation, let’s remember two things:

As a citizen of the United States, our freedom does not exist exclusively for our own benefit. We are also required to care and show concern for our fellow citizens. We should also use our freedom – and the other blessings we enjoy as Americans – to bless those around the world. Our freedom shouldn’t be so self-centered that we look down at the rest of the world.

As citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are called to use our freedom as an opportunity to sacrifice our lives for others. Jesus was God in the flesh, but He never used that as a way out of His responsibilities. He willingly went to the cross, even though he could have called down an army of angels at any time. Jesus showed us through His actions what true freedom looks like.

shine!
Jason