Freedom Defined
Do you ever wonder about what freedom really is or means?
Many think that freedom is the ability to say or do what you want, in fact the
dictionary defines freedom as, “the power or right to act, speak, or think
as one wants without hindrance or restraint”. But is freedom really that
simple? If this is really the definition of freedom, then in my opinion no one
is really free!!!! I look around and I observe people who claim to be free, yet
it seems to me that they are more in bondage than those who don’t live in a “free
country”.
I believe that there are two kinds of freedom! A false kind
which the culture and the world teaches us, and a true freedom that only comes
from God.
So what is true freedom you ask?
- Freedom is respecting the price that was paid (in my case remembering the sacrifice of Christ on the cross)
- Freedom is the recognition of your weaknesses and taking actions before you are enslaved by them
- Freedom is not the ability to say what you want, but the ability to build people up whit what you say
- Freedom is not the capability of doing what you wish, but it is the ability to make a difference and leave a legacy behind
- Freedom is knowing that hatred for others is a bondage on its own
- Freedom is the acceptance of differences, while not participating in evil
- And most importantly, freedom is the realization of boundaries
In my opinion, there is also another idea which I personally
call the Absolute Freedom. Though many of us think we are free to
say and do what we want, or practice any religion, yet no one on earth has absolute
freedom. What I mean is this, even those who think they live in a free country
are still under the authority of the laws of that country. Break the law and
you will have to face the consequences. So if freedom is defined to be as “acting
as you wants”, does it mean that you can drive 25 miles over the speed
limit without being pooled over by a cop and having to get a ticket or going to
jail? So, you are only free if you are within the premiers of the law and
therefore that means you do not really have what I call the absolute freedom.
Now, the Bible says in John 8:36 “So if the Son (Jesus)
sets you free, you will be free indeed.” In my understanding of God’s love,
true and absolute freedom comes from faith in Jesus Christ and nowhere else.
Don’t get me wrong, as long as you are alive on this earth you will never
experience absolute freedom, but if you believe in Jesus as your Lord and
Savior, and you follow His ways, then you will not only get a glimpse of peace
and true freedom, but you also have secured your eternal destiny in a place
where absolute freedom is the only freedom mankind will ever know.
