READ
REFLECT
What is true freedom? Does it come from being wealthy, having a clear schedule, and being able to do what you always want? Does it come from not being accountable to a higher power and creating your own standards and values?
Absolutely not, but this is how today’s culture, which doesn’t rely on God, would define freedom. They don’t see sin, only choices. You could argue about right or wrong with them, and they would likely tell you that morals and values are relative.
However, as believers of Jesus Christ, we know this is untrue. We know that true freedom, liberation, whatever you want to call it, comes from following the Lord. Now, why is that?
The reason is that Christ provided a more excellent way, a higher kind of living, which truly liberates the soul. We’ve all heard the Scripture in John, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The freedom that comes from following Christ is peace, which is hard to describe unless you chart a course for the Lord. In Luke, Christ says he has come to set us free. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”
As Christians, we are set free because of Him. This freedom is more liberating than any freedom out there. It gives us purpose, peace, comfort, and drive to build His kingdom on earth. So if we know anyone shackled down by today’s culture, let us proclaim the freedom that comes from following our Lord, Jesus Christ.
RESPOND
1. Write down one way following Jesus sets you free.
2. Commit John 8:32 to memory.
