Free Indeed

By Tracy Gordon

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. –John 8:31-32 and 36

As I think about July 4th, I once again reflect on how blessed I feel to live in such an amazing country which was founded on freedom and Godly principles. When my children were in Elementary school, I had the privilege of leading the school’s Kids Who Care Club, a community service club for 4th and 5th graders. One of the most meaningful service projects we ever did was going to Balboa Naval Hospital to put on an appreciation event for patients recovering there. Many of these patients had sustained serious injuries in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some were missing limbs while others had suffered traumatic brain injuries. The students served these amazing men and women a wonderful meal, passed out goodie bags and sat and visited with them, thanking them for their extraordinary service and protecting our freedom. There was one particular gentleman who had been severely injured and was so overcome with emotion at the gratitude the children were showing. He came up to me in tears and said, “why are you thanking me? It’s my job and I’d do it all over again because you all are worth it.” I was speechless and in awe of his beautiful, sacrificial love.

In Christ, we have been given freedom and a sacrificial love that is almost beyond comprehension. When you receive Christ as your personal Savior, He has set you free. The beauty of being free in Christ is that the more we love Him we will turn that freedom into the confines of serving and loving like Jesus. The law doesn’t bind us. Instead, we are bound by the love of Jesus in our hearts. In John chapter 8, Jesus tells the Jews who had believed him, “if you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Unfortunately, because of the prominence of sin in our lives, we must be so intentional about choosing to follow Jesus. We must daily choose between allowing sin to control our lives, or following Christ and experiencing ultimate freedom from sin. As we submit to Christ, sin loses its power and Christ’s power takes over. As we choose to trust and follow Him, our sinful habits, thoughts and attitudes lose their control. Guilt disappears, and peace of mind dominates. Receiving Christ’s love and forgiveness makes us a new creation and offers us lasting freedom that only He can give. Because of Jesus, we are no longer slaves to our past, we are no longer bound by our bad choices or sinful nature. We are redeemed and restored! He is our limitless source of healing, hope, and wholeness.

It was the oppressive theology of certain Jewish legalizers that caused the Galatian believers to yield their freedoms in Christ. Paul’s stern warning to the Galatians is similar to that given to America by President Abraham Lincoln. He said, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” “May we stand firm therefore, and not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

Lord Jesus, thank you for the freedom we have in you. As Peter tells us in 1 Peter, “may we live as people who are free, not using our freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” Thank you also for this great nation and for those who have bravely fought to protect our right to worship you freely. In your precious name we pray, Amen.