Freedom Defined Part 1: Free From

I am an American. If there is one thing that is central to American thinking and ideology, I would say it is the concept of freedom. We are all about it. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, freedom of petition, the freedom to "our" rights, our thoughts, our desires. We are "the land of the FREE and the home of the brave!" For many of us, freedom has been an undercurrent to the way that we think, process and live our lives having grow up in this country. But what is it?

What is freedom? Jesus tells us that "if the Son has makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36) But what does it mean to be "free indeed"?

Let's look at the definition of freedom according to the Google dictionary.

Freedom is:

• The absence of subjection to foreign dominion or despotic government

• The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved

• The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.

According to this definition, freedom can be broken down into two main parts: "free from" and "free to." Freedom is being free from oppression, dominion, enslavement. It is being free to act, speak, think.

My husband and I have somewhat unintentionally been on a World War II kick lately. It seems that many of the books we've been reading keep taking us back to the WWII time period. We followed up by watching an amazing documentary by Ken Burns called "The War" (highly recommend!). As neither of us lived through this period of history, it is important to learn and remember the atrocities, the oppression, the sacrifice, the heroism that all took place under the banner of "World War II." I could go on for hours about all of the things that we learned, the stories that touched us, the heartache we felt as we imagined what people went through, and the profound impact this had on us in our daily lives by giving us a renewed sense of gratitude for the peace we experience today. But lucky for you, I won't. :) Suffice to say, I was reminded that the freedom we have today did not come for free and is not to be taken for granted. It had to be fought for and won. It has to be continually sustained. We have freedom today because many sons, husbands, brothers, friends went off to war and never came home. And still others came home injured or forever changed but the horrors of war. We have freedom because wives and daughters and sisters supported their men and their country by working at home, in shipyards, in factories. Because mothers and wives courageously sent off their loved ones to fight overseas. No life was untouched by the great sacrifice that was paid that we might have freedom.

Why did they do this? Because Hitler and the Nazi's and the Axis Powers had to be defeated. They were advancing and attacking, dominating most of Europe with no signs of stopping. They were oppressing, enslaving, stealing, and destroying all in their path. Ignoring them, making peace with them, negotiating with them, appeasing them did not and would not work. Unless someone stepped up to fight, freedom would be suppressed. To be free from foreign oppression, dominion, and enslavement, the enemy had to be fought against, pushed back, and defeated. The sacrifice was great, but it was the only way to preserve freedom.

Aside from this being an important history lesson, this directly relates to our spiritual quest for freedom. We too have an enemy who cannot be appeased, ignored, or negotiated with. We have an enemy, the devil, who wants to steal, kill and destroy all who follow God (John 10:10). He wants to advance and attack, he wants to oppress, to condemn, to enslave, to kill. 1 Peter 5:8 says it this way, "... Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." There is no good in him. He wants to murder and destroy. But like Hitler, He has been defeated.

Because of the great bravery and sacrifice of the Allied forces, the Axis powers were defeated and freedom was won. Likewise, we can receive spiritual freedom through the great sacrifice and bravery of One who also gave his life for us. Jesus, the Son of God, left the comfort of His home to go to war with the enemy for us. Jesus knew that there was no other hope of freedom. He came to earth and showed us that the heart of God is the direct opposite of that of the enemy. God's heart is always to bring life, to heal, to love, to forgive, to bless. Jesus, the exact representation of the Father (Hebrews 1:3), showed us pure goodness, mercy, forgiveness, justice, grace. He showed us love. And then He displayed the ultimate love as He sacrificed Himself by going to the cross for us. (See Romans 5:8) In doing so, He defeated the enemy, He won freedom for us, once and for all!

Where are you fighting for freedom in your life? How is the enemy seeking to advance in your life? Is it through depression, worry, anxiety or fear? Does he seek to destroy you through addiction, lust, or anger? Remember, you do not need to remain in bondage. You no longer need to be subject to this kind of oppression and enslavement. Freedom has been won and is available to you in Jesus. All you have to do is believe and trust in Christ. The ultimate sacrifice has been made to set you free.

This may be a first time decision to trust in Christ, and if so it is as simple as a genuine prayer from your heart to God to receive Christ's death on your behalf and embrace the freedom and life only Jesus can give. Or you may have prayed this prayer long ago, but still need to embrace the daily, momentary freedom that Jesus brings. Take the time to do it now.

And then, rejoice that the war has been won! While learning to walk in freedom may take time and effort, believe that indeed you are set free by the blood of Jesus. The enemy has been defeated. The sacrifice was great, but freedom is available to all who will receive it. For truly, "if the Son has set you free, you are free indeed."