Freedom?

What is freedom?  After celebrating July 4, I think it is a good question for Christians to ask. 

 

I think there are different levels of freedom, and different worldviews when it comes to freedom.  There is the American worldview of freedom...which in a sense says I am free to do what I want (within reason).  I am not held back by government, military forces, or infighting.  I am free to live my life as I want.  Then, there is the Biblical worldview.  The Biblical worldview flips this American idea on its head.  The Biblical worldview shows that if left to myself, I choose sin, death, and pain.  The Bible tells me that as a human I am not free.  I am bound and enslaved.  Enslaved to myself, enslaved to my sin, enslaved to knowing nothing but depravity.  The Biblical view of freedom is freedom that is given to those who are in Christ.  Freedom from sin, from eternal punishment, reedom to now live how I was created to live.  Before, I was bound...but now, Christ has set me free!

 

So while we are being grateful for the American freedom we have, let us not forget that many Americans, in the truest sense of the word, are not free.  They are bound to their sin, and unless they meet the savior, will never be free. 

 

Most people assume the non-Christian in America is more free than the Christian in Nepal who getting beaten to the point of death for their faith.  I would ask you to reconsider your view of freedom.  Do you value your freedom to worship how you want more than your freedom to live out your faith?  Is the freedom you have to own a nice air conditioned home more important (in your heart) than the freedom Christ has given you?  If it came down to it, would you choose beatings and jail time like Christians in Pakistan (who chose obedience to Christ over their own comfort), or would you choose American freedom?  Where does your first allegiance lie...to self and country or to Christ and His kingdom? 

 

What may sound like an easy question may not be so easy when your life is on the line.  Today, and everyday, there are Christians facing terrible persecution all around the world...we just don't hear about it.  When I hear these stories I have to remind myself that these persecuted Christians are free!  In fact, their freedom is probably greater than mine, for their lives prove that Christ is everything...and they are literally giving up everything to prove it.  That is freedom.