This week we celebrated the independence of our great nation, and we enjoyed quality time with family and friends to celebrate freedom. We all celebrate freedom, but do we understand what it is? Do we know what it is to have true freedom? The dictionary says that freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. Nowadays, freedom is a concept open to many interpretations, and somewhere in the path of conquering it, many people have lost track of what is vital and lost the context of why they wanted that freedom. The cry for freedom has become louder in the past years. Sometimes it becomes a violent cry, disturbing the peace and fueling intense confrontations. We all seek freedom. We all want to be free of whatever oppresses us. Freedom from what? Well, there's not one answer for that, the answer may vary from person to person, and you'll be surprised at how many different answers you'll receive from just one individual. Interesting, right?
This constant seeking of freedom is not a new thing. Since the beginning, humans have sought freedom in different ways. Even in the Bible, we can see this constant search for freedom. The problem is that sometimes we seek freedom in the wrong places. In the world, we seek a freedom that is temporary and incomplete, a freedom that fluctuates according to external influences. But as Christians, we must know that there is only one way to have eternal and complete freedom through Jesus Christ. He is the way and the truth that will set us free!
The Biblical definition of freedom is much different from whatever people may think it is. The Bible teaches us that Jesus came to the world to free us from sin, temptation, regrets, depression, and sickness, among other things that steal our joy and peace. He came to give liberty to all the captives. He came to give us freedom! “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” – Luke 4:18 But how do we find true freedom in Christ?
1. Repent from sin- Sin maintains us as slaves; it binds us to the desires of our flesh. We must repent and separate from sin to start our path toward freedom.
2. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior- When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become new creatures, and a transformation occurs, letting us accept the freedom He offers us. Remember, accepting Christ does not mean we will never sin again; it means that now we will have the conviction of sin, and we will be more willing to repent and seek forgiveness.
3. Reading and studying the Word of God- His word is true and is a great tool that helps us walk with God. His word gives us the strength and peace we all need to pursue His freedom.
4. Have a relationship with God, His Holy Spirit, and Christ- We need to seek Him. He is the way and the truth, and the Bible says that the truth will set us free! Pray every day and worship Him.
5. Obey God- When we obey God's commandments, we protect our freedom in Him.
6. Give God the First Place in your life- If you seek God above everything else, He will bless you. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33.
Freedom in Christ is eternal because of His great gift of eternal life through salvation from sin. Before salvation, we were condemned to perish without hope or redemption, but because God loved us first, He sent His only son to die on the cross for our forgiveness, and by Jesus' obedience, we gained the best gift of all, eternal life. Christ's sacrifice gave us true freedom because it freed us, even from death. I encourage you to seek Christ's freedom. Keep your eyes on Him because He is the only source of true freedom!
