Articles
Freedom!
We have just celebrated our country’s freedom. We like the idea of being free. Our country
is founded on the idea of freedom, going all the way back to the Declaration of Independence.
“We hold these truths to be self- evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by
their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit
of Happiness.”
As Christians, we also seek freedom, although many may not fully understand what we want
freedom from. The Bible is clear that no matter where you live, or what situation you find
yourself in, outside of Christ you are a slave. Humans are slaves to sin, a cruel master that
destroys lives and only leads to death. The Bible tells us that humanity is sinful, “For all have
sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23). Sin then ensnares us and makes us
slaves. Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to
sin” (John 8:34). Sin will lead to death, but God has made a way out, a way for us to have real
freedom. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our
Lord” (Romans 6:23).
We celebrate our country’s freedom, but do we live a life that celebrates the true freedom
which can only be found in Christ. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for
all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled,
upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the
glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all
lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good
works” (Titus 2:11-14). Celebrate your freedom each day by living the life we are called to live.
~ Brad Tolbert
