Freedom

We just celebrated independence day on the 4th of July. Its a great day when we remember our declaration of independence from England. It was the day we, as a nation, became free. As Christ-followers, though, we have a much greater freedom to celebrate. It is the freedom we experience from being in Christ.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32 NIV)
Jesus' teachings take us to a place that is different than any other place. Our minds and hearts are set free. Our lives are set free. When we hear, listen to, and follow the truth that Jesus taught, we are set free.

They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:33-36 NIV)
The freedom that Jesus offers, though, is different than the kind of freedom we talk about with our political independence day. Jesus offers to set us free from sin and the consequences that come from sin in our lives. This kind of freedom is much greater than political freedoms. That is because Christ's freedom is eternal and is carried with us no matter what the political terrain may hold. Christ is the only one who can truly set us free.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV)
How about you? Are you free? Have you listened to His Truth so that you free indeed? Does the Spirit of the Lord give you freedom?