The concept of ‘freedom’ conjures up a variety of images.
Classically we may reflect on shackles being broken loose. Of people once lorded over finally breaking free. Thoughts of Brave Heart, Independence Day, and fireworks certainly slip in as well.
However, the concept of freedom is often misconstrued into a life absent consequence and rules. For living ‘right’ can feel rather cumbersome and limited. We seek instead to do what we want, when we want.
The inherent problem in this misconception is that we are looking for freedom without cost. A reality that has never been true. For freedom has always come at a price, both to achieve it and to maintain it.
“So, since we’re out from under the old tyranny, does that mean we can live any old way we want? Since we’re free in the freedom of God, can we do anything that comes to mind?
Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it’s your last free act. But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you’ve let sin tell you what to do.”
Pursuing ‘no-cost’ sin-based freedom is a precipitous trap. Instead of achieving lasting contentedness, we find ourselves suddenly hampered by an additional burden that limits us far beyond anything that the ‘rule’ on the front end ever did. For what we have willingly surrendered for temporal satisfaction or pleasure is ultimately our peace.
And real freedom is real peace. Peace to be completely still with our thoughts, not worried if our transgressions or shortcomings will be discovered, but knowing we are living right. The cost of that peace is discipline. Discipline to know and heed the timeless wisdom, even when it may appear inconvenient in the moment.
This Independence Day let us celebrate not just the freedom of our country, born and continually nurtured by our brave heroes, but also the absolute freedom we have been gifted by one who too laid down his life for our sakes. May we honor the sacrifice with our discipline.