Insights

We are grateful for the liberty that we enjoy in our nation. We are thankful for those who have sacrificed their lives in order that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have. We are blessed to be able to pursue whatever vocation we desire, to live where we want, and most importantly - worship God. We are honored to still be able to elect our government leaders and participate in government functions. We are privileged as a people and I pray that we would not take these things for granted. Freedom is not free, but is expensive and unless we are vigilant, can be removed from us very quickly.

The question that is raised is, “What is true freedom?” It is easy to live in a free country, yet be in bondage to a lot of things. Many express their displeasure to be in jobs they don’t enjoy, relationships they don’t appreciate, and habits that keep them bound to fulfill. A lot express being bound to the routine of life that today is just like yesterday and continues on tomorrow in the same way. So we learn quickly that true freedom has to come from the inside of one’s being, not just something external. So the question becomes, “Am I truly free inwardly?”

Jesus makes the comment in John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” So freedom comes from knowing the truth. It is amazing that we live in a time when so much information is at our fingertips, yet there is so great deception that keeps us from knowing the truth. Jesus goes on to explain the truth in John 14:6, where He says that He is the way, the truth, and the life. So then, truth does not just know accurate facts, but actually has a relationship with the person of truth which is God. Therefore, if true freedom comes from knowing the truth and the truth is God, then true freedom comes from knowing God.

Jesus says that in order to know the truth and be free, we need to live or abide in His word. This makes us His disciples or ones who become followers of Jesus. Then as we follow Jesus, our world revolves 180 degrees from where it was. The things that kept us in bondage before become stepping stones to a deeper walk with God and learning His character. He then gives us His power to overcome and be victorious in the challenges of life.

So then, the opportunity of true freedom is to live with and be in a relationship with God. In Isaiah 57:15 God says that while He lives in eternity, He also lives with those of us who are humble and contrite so that He can revive us and make us alive. So then the way to true freedom is to ask God for His mercy and to receive Him into our lives.

As we celebrate our freedoms in this election year with the privilege of choosing our leaders, it is my prayer that each of us would be truly free by knowing God and humbly walking with Him. May God richly bless you and also may God bless America!