What True Freedom Is
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesMore and more, we are seeing and hearing the actors and actresses on daily television soap operas, using vulgar language in describing in sickening detail their immoral activities.
Seemingly, these folks who shamelessly discuss their sins in public, obviously think of themselves as “liberated” because they dare to flaunt their immorality before a gullible public (Romans 1:32; cf. Psalm 50:16-22; Hosea 7:1-7).
But what a strange kind of freedom is that? Little do they know how enslaved they really are (John 8:34 ESV; Romans 6:16,23 ESV).
This writer has overheard men who were obese and coughing heavily, boldly say, “No one, not even my doctor, is going to take away my freedom to smoke or to eat what I want to eat.” In just a short period of time, their so-called “freedom” killed them.
Another man once told me that he had left his wife so he could be “free” to live as he pleased. When I saw him a few years later, he was a physical and emotional wreck. He admitted that he had become a slave to deviate practices that were killing him, but he was unwilling to change his lifestyle. Shortly thereafter, he passed from this life into eternity.
Brethren and friends, the idea that we can have true freedom without restraint or discipline is an illusion originating from Satan (John 8:44). Doing what we please without seeking to do God’s will (Matthew 7:21; James 1:18-25), brings slavery to sin (John 8:34 ESV) that soon leads to spiritual death (Romans 6:16,23 ESV).
Conversely, when we place our trust in the Lord Jesus, being guided by His doctrine, He will provide us freedom from guilt — freedom from the bondage of sin — freedom from feelings of futility — and freedom from the fear of death.
Brethren and friends, that’s true freedom! (John 8:33-36; cf. Romans 8:2; Gal. 5:1).