Are You Really Free?

We are proud to live in the "land of the free and the home of the brave." However, as Christians, we realize this question of freedom goes deeper than mere civil liberty. Are you really free?

Freedom must be properly defined. Of course, there are different types of freedom. Today, many refer to "financial freedom" and "freedom of choice." Yet, most people think of freedom as mere license to do anything they wish. There are some who are so enthralled with sin that they don't even realize that the same sin has enslaved them. When Jesus told the Jews that they would "know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32), they laughed at Him. They said they had never been in bondage to any man. They obviously forgot they were under Roman rule at that time. Yet, Jesus was talking about freedom from sin. Cf. Romans 6:16-23; 1 Corinthians 7:20-22; 6:12-13, 19-20.

Freedom is obtained only by sacrifice. Can you think of any example of a people who obtained freedom without sacrifice? Rush Limbaugh Jr., the father of the well-known talk show host, often gave a speech entitled "The Americans Who Risked Everything." In this address, he told the stories of many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He summed up the sacrifices they made by saying, "Of those who signed the Declaration of Independence, nine died of wounds or hardships during the war. Five were captured and imprisoned, in each case with brutal treatment. Several lost wives, sons or entire families. One lost his 13 children. Two wives were brutally treated. All were at one time or another the victims of manhunts and driven from their homes. Twelve signers had their homes completely burned. Seventeen lost everything they owned. Yet not one defected or went back on his pledged word. Their honor, and the nation they sacrificed so much to create is still intact." If you can find a copy of this speech online, it will be well worth your time to read it. Cf. Galatians 5:1; Acts 22:28; Romans 8:2.

Freedom must be desired. The signers of the Declaration of Independence could have lived out their lives in relative peace and prosperity, but instead they desired freedom enough to sacrifice for it. Sometimes people don't know what to do with freedom once they have it. This can be seen in the differences between the American and French revolutions. The American Revolution resulted in a great and powerful nation. The French Revolution resulted in a period of French history call "The Terror." It appears the leaders of that revolution desired freedom, but they also desired their own personal interest even more. Keep in mind that anyone who really desires spiritual freedom can have it, but it will not happen if that person desires other things in life even more.

Unfortunately, freedom can be forfeited. We can throw it away. It has happened many times throughout history. May we never take our freedoms, both physical and spiritual, for granted.