What is Freedom?
Look at the following verse:
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
-Galatians 5:1 ESV
This concept of freedom is one that is a cause of much confusion AND a major reason people reject the gospel. How can this be so? Isn’t freedom universally understood? Perhaps. But the first two definitions of freedom from the Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries hint at the problem…and reflect the words of Paul.
The power or right to do or say what you want without anyone stopping you.
The state of not being a prisoner or slave.
Do or Say What You Want
Isn’t that first definition exactly what we mean when we say “freedom” in America? Isn’t it the same around the world? Freedom means I can do what I want, when I want, and no one is allowed to stop me. Here in the United States, we value our freedom very highly. We celebrate the amazing women and men who have served, and still do serve in our armed forces during specific holidays, at some places of business, and even just to say thank you when we see them in our daily life. And why do we celebrate them? Because they have volunteered to defend our freedom.
Of course, the freedom isn’t total. There are laws that have been created so that the freedom of one person does not infringe upon the freedom of others. Laws are passed and enforced by imperfect people, so the laws are certainly not perfect. Some would argue that many laws actually go too far in restricting freedom, while others do not go far enough.
No matter your perspective in matters of the law, most would agree that freedom from a cultural perspective means the fewest number of restrictions necessary to maintain a stable society.
But for the culture at large, freedom has a dark side. The dark side appears when people use their freedom to cause harm to others. Financial harm, emotional harm, relationship harm, physical harm, etc. can be the result of people doing or saying what they want without restriction.
Another dark aspect of freedom is the effect it can have when we allow ourselves too much freedom. Let’s take a closer look at this issue.
The Problem with Freedom
In a previous post we tackled the issue of free will. Feel free to take a look if you don’t recall it or haven’t yet seen it, it received great feedback! But there is something we need to explain here. The idea of doing or saying what you want isn’t really freedom. That’s free will. With free will you have the option to decide to do something or take some action. Free will is the ability to choose. Now, here is a critical concept:
Freedom is gained or lost as a result of the choices we make with our free will.
Let me say that another way. Nearly every choice you make either increases your freedom or decreases it. If you choose to spend money on a new car, you can no longer choose to spend that money on a family vacation. If you choose to invest part of your income into a 401(k) for a future retirement, then you can’t put that income towards eating out tonight. If you choose to marry a particular person and be faithful to her or him, you cannot choose to have an inappropriate relationship with another.
Our choices, based on free will, affect our freedom.
Re-Enter Paul
So, we return to Paul’s words in Galatians 1.
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
-Galatians 5:1 ESV
Oh, and don’t forget the second definition of freedom from our friends at the Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries: “The state of not being a prisoner or slave.”
“For freedom Christ has set us free.” What an interesting, if perhaps a bit confusing, phrase. Let’s dig in!
I mentioned previously that freedom is a major reason people reject the gospel. But Paul says Christ set us free for freedom. How then would freedom be a reason people reject the gospel?
It’s simple. When we embrace the first definition of freedom at the expense of the second, we have decided to reject the gospel. Recall the first definition, “The power or right to do or say what you want without anyone stopping you.” And now the second, “The state of not being a prisoner or slave.”
When we decide we will do whatever we want and don’t allow anyone to stop us, it directly means that we are not following Jesus. I cannot do whatever comes to my mind and be a Jesus follower. Oh, heavens no! Friends, I’ve been a Jesus follower a LONG time, but temptation still sometimes comes knocking at the door of my mind. I can say with 100% confidence that the same is true of you.
“When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.”
-Luke 4:13 NIV
If Jesus, the sinless Son of God, who was also God Himself, was tempted, none of us is immune.
Of course, Jesus didn’t submit to the temptations. But if we do “whatever we want” that’s going to include evil desires that come into our minds. Because at times you WILL want to do things that you KNOW are evil in the sight of God.
So then, what is this freedom Jesus brings us?
True Freedom
“Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’”
-John 8:34-36 ESV
The freedom Jesus brings us is freedom in the second definition. “The state of not being a prisoner or slave.” That freedom comes because:
“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If you love me, you will do as I command. Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you. The Spirit will show you what is true. The people of this world cannot accept the Spirit, because they don't see or know him. But you know the Spirit, who is with you and will keep on living in you.’”
-John 14:15-17 CEV
Freedom granted by Christ is not freedom to do whatever we want. It is freedom from the consequences of choosing to do whatever we want. It is the freedom to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, to be self-controlled, and to NOT become prisoners of the sin that we could choose to do.
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
-Titus 2:11-12 NET
Hear me beloved. Choosing to do whatever we want sounds like freedom from the outside, but it leads to complete enslavement to whatever sins we decide to engage in. Not only that, but it is also the path to Hell. Freedom is found not in choosing whatever option we desire, but in choosing the option that keeps us from sin. There is no freedom outside of Jesus, there is only slavery to the consequences our choices, no matter how innocent they may seem at the outset.
A Final Note for the Freedom Minded
Let me allay a potential fear.
Jesus didn’t come to limit your life to activities that are dull. He didn’t come to make your life one of misery. Can I be frank? The dullest AND the most miserable parts of my life over the years have been the direct result of not choosing to follow Jesus in the moment. But Jesus brings us more joy than anything else!
“Many people say, ‘We can't find goodness anywhere. The light of your face has left us, LORD!’ But you have filled my heart with more joy than when their wheat and wine are everywhere!”
-Psalm 4:6-7 CEB
When we choose a path other than the Lord’s, His light is hidden from us. But when we embrace the freedom from sin that He offers in His salvation, we have more joy than we can believe possible! And never forget this promise of Jesus:
“A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness.”
-John 10:10 CEV
Life in all its fullness. Do you want a life that is full of all the wonderful things God has for you? Do you want a fulfilling life? Do you want great joy? All these things and more are found in one place, the freedom for which Christ set us free.
If you have follow-up thoughts, feel free to reach out to me directly via our contact form. Also, if you’d like to learn more about me and why I create all this content about following Jesus, check out my About page.
Love you Jesus follower!