To many, freedom means doing whatever they want, independent from God. If we’re honest, we know that such living only and always leads to the bondage of sin, resulting in broken and empty lives here, and ultimately separation from God in spiritual death.

Knowing this, Jesus has given us the recipe for real freedom. In John 8:31-32 Jesus said, ‘If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” In response the people grew irritated, thinking that they were already free, but even in earthly terms that wasn’t true, since the Romans occupied their land. He was talking about how to get free from the slavery of sin and declared, “Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36. Jesus let them know that He was the only One who could give them that kind of freedom. They had to depend on Him.

It’s no different for us. We can go through all the motions of being a Christian, giving our time, our money, our skills, but if we haven’t given Jesus our self in dependence upon Him, we aren’t free. From Mere Christianity p. 59 CS Lewis wrote, “Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement; he is a rebel who must lay down his arms.” If we want freedom in Christ, we must lay down our arms in total dependence on Him. Our minds, our bodies, our possessions are His. Our struggles and desires, and burdens, and plans, must all come under the authority of Jesus. In exchange for our surrender, God promises to make following Him possible. Because God loves us, He will give us a new heart with His law written on it so that following Him will no longer be a burden, but a delight. His love will change our desires, renew our minds, direct our paths, and give us love we’ve never experienced. And all of it will free us to be His children forever. Amen!

-Pastor Jim