What Does Freedom Look Like?

 


As our country celebrated the 250th anniversary of independence, something stirred in my mind. On the Fourth of July, the remembrance of independence was ushered in with patriotic songs, red, white, and blue everything, and lots and lots of fireworks. I was able to sit on my front porch and watch a fireworks display the equivalent of a small city's. The pounding of artillery and bursts of light surrounded our house as the acrid smell  of smoke lingered in a soft haze. For many, this represented freedom. However, true freedom looks very different. When God sent His son, Jesus, to this earth, it was not to grant us the ability to do whatever we want to do. It was for freedom. Let me explain. When Adam chose to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he didn't need to know what good was. He literally was able to be in the presence of God's goodness every single day. He wanted to experience and know the evil part. He wanted to decide for himself what was good or bad for himself instead of God telling him. We still struggle with this today. What Adam thought was freedom was actually being chained to the knowledge of depression, anxiety, pain, violence, and darkness. Instead of only seeing the overwhelming goodness of a Heavenly Father who loves beyond human reason and provides our every need, He traded it for eternity of separation from this loving God. But God made a way to provide true freedom from man's poor choices. By sending Jesus, a way was made to restore us back to only seeing the goodness of God. Believing and confessing that Jesus came to break off the chains of the knowledge of evil, forgive putting our own desires and wants over what He wants for us, and restoring a pure relationship with God is that way. True freedom was given to us by Jesus going to the cross and taking the punishment we deserved on Himself. He died and rose from the dead after destroying the hold Satan placed on us as a result of knowing and choosing evil over God. God gave us freedom from Satan by Jesus giving His life and freedom. So what is freedom? Freedom is sacrifice.  Freedom is being willing to give your life for a brother, or even, putting them above yourself. Freedom is surrendering your rights to what God knows is better for you. Freedom is allowing God to restore you to walking every day in the knowledge of the goodness of God. True freedom only comes through surrender. 

Have a great week high-heeled warriors!

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