Freedom.
It's a beautiful word and something every human heart desires. But what exactly is freedom?
The definition of freedom will vary from person to person. Some people may think of a symbol that represents freedom, such as the American Flag or the Statue of Liberty. Others might think of an experience, such as the incredible feeling that comes at 5:00 on a Friday night or the adrenaline rush they get from jumping out of a plane.
Others may view freedom on a deeper level such as the freedom to believe in whatever religion they choose, or the freedom to speak their mind without worrying about authorities silencing them.
There are so many different ways we humans view and experience freedom, but in all of these varying definitions, freedom has one common thread.
Freedom is the right to do, be, and believe, whatever we want to without hindrance
The Declaration of Independence speaks of this, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
We crave freedom.
We want happiness.
It's these desires that are most often the driving motivation within people.
We are tempted to think that more money, bigger homes, and nicer clothes will bring the utmost happiness. Or maybe it's more down the lines of a husband to love us, children to fulfill us, and a home to call our own.
These things, while they bring happiness for a time... do not last. So often we see people that finally have everything their heart could possibly desire, and they fall into depression and some even take their own lives. So wealth and status still do not bring happiness and true freedom.
There is only one form a freedom that is TRUE FREEDOM. Once you have tasted this exhilarating, breath-taking, heart-stopping freedom, you will pursue it for the rest of your life.
That freedom, is the freedom of the heart and soul. When a person's heart is set free, the peace and rest that comes with that freedom knows no limit! The poorest on earth has suddenly become the wealthiest of people, because he has found something few people find, Freedom of the Soul.
Do you know true freedom in your heart?
We as Christians understand the concept of Jesus dying to set us free, but does it sink past our brains and into our hearts? Do we fully comprehend the complete work that was done on the cross.
Do we understand that freedom is through Christ alone and nothing more? There is nothing we can do to earn status with God, it is only through Jesus and his perfection, that we can experience this incredible salvation and freedom!
Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING we do can earn any status with God. We need to understand this truth, because in this truth we experience true freedom! It is only by His grace and love that we can be forgiven.
John 8:36 "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
John 8:31-32 “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"
I have recently come to understand this in a completely new way, and it has been life changing! When we grasp this, our hearts rise in praise and we serve God out of love instead of duty. The truth will set you free!
We will never be perfect, and though we strive to be like Christ, we will never be perfect people. So why do we keep telling ourselves that if we do more good things and become better people, somehow God will grant us salvation? This is wrong.
I do not believe in a 'faith only doctrine'. The Bible says we shall know them by their fruits. Our actions will speak of an inner change. When Jesus changes our hearts, our actions will reflect that.
The love we have for our heavenly father will make us desire to honor Him.
We fight against evil and embrace good.
We lean on Jesus for strength, because it's only through Him that we are overcomers. And part of our earthly battle is to be continually searching our hearts and our motives, and directing our eyes to Jesus. It is in this mindfulness of Him that works will be coming from our lives. John 15:8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Galations 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
But God forbid that we shift our focus to the works instead of Jesus for our salvation. The plan of Salvation is complete. We cannot add to it.