JULY - True Freedom

Freedom is a theme and an idea that has deep roots in our western culture. As Americans, this month we celebrate the separation of our country from British rule and the establishment of the 13 colonies as a new nation. In our own city of Colorado Springs, so many families are connected with our military, and we have a deep appreciation for the freedoms our country enjoys. These freedoms are a reality because of the sacrifice and service of so many brave men and women in our armed forces.

When I think of freedom, I also think of Mel Gibson as the 13th century Scottish freedom fighter, William Wallace. In the movie, "Braveheart," Wallace leads the Scots in the quest for independence from the King of England. Who could forget the movie, "Gladiator," and Russell Crowe playing Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius? Maximus becomes enslaved as a gladiator and eventually gains freedom for himself and his fellow gladiators when he battles Emperor Commodus to his death. Though just movies, these heroic quests for freedom stir something deep inside of us.

Most importantly, when I think of freedom, I think of Jesus being beaten and then publicly humiliated through death on a cross. The greatest cry of freedom the world has ever heard came when Jesus willingly laid down his life and proclaimed, "It is finished!" While many in his day thought the Messiah had come to free them from the tyranny of the Roman empire, Jesus' death and resurrection can set people free from an oppressive power far greater than an emperor, a king, a president, or a mighty empire.

While we may have a great appreciation for freedom as Americans, I also believe we have a tendency to forget what freedom truly means. As a child, I remember making this statement at times when I felt I was being held back. "It's a free country, I can do whatever I want to do." This attitude of entitlement to whatever your heart desires is prevalent in our society today. True freedom is not about a lack of boundaries or the ability to do anything and everything you want. This results not in contentment and happiness but rather chaos and anarchy. When our secular humanist society puts self at the center of the universe, complete disorder is the only thing that can come about as individuals think first and primarily of themselves. Freedom always comes with a great cost and as people sacrificially lay down their lives for a greater cause.

For those of us that are followers of Christ, freedom in the Christian life is also not about a life without boundaries. Jesus did not lay down his life for us so we could pursue the American dream and pursue a life primarily focused on our own worldly desires. Freedom in Christ in not a license to live however we want. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges his followers to lay down their rights for the good of others and to pray for our enemies (Matt. 5:38-44). He also commands us to seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness (Matt. 6:33). John 15:13 tells us, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

As Christians, freedom means we have been set free from bondage to sin so we can live a life focused on loving and glorifying God and loving and sacrificially serving others. While it seems like a contradiction, we have been freed as slaves to sin and death (Rom. 6:6) and become slaves of Christ (1 Cor. 7:22). Through our freedom from sin and the Law, we can now live as slaves of righteousness (Rom. 6:18). This is where we find the greatest joy in life and where we most glorify God.

As slaves to Christ and his righteousness, we discover our true purpose in life. This was God's intention for us at creation. As a result of the death and resurrection of Christ, we can be set free from the bondage of sin to live as a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). The image of God within us that was terribly marred by sin can now begin to be restored. Through the Spirit of God within us, God is at work reconciling us to himself, shaping us to become more like Christ, and restoring us to become what he desires and to fulfill his purposes. This is true freedom!

As you celebrate with friends and family, remember that freedom always comes at a great cost and requires a great sacrifice. Be thankful for our freedoms as a nation, but focus on and praise God for the freedom we have in Christ. Christ laid down his life for us so we might not continue living as slaves of sin but might reign with him eternally as children of God (Rom. 8:15). We have been set free to have abundant life in Christ!