Desk of Dennis PillerFearlessly Courageous3 17 2023Click for Audio Version
Man lives for what he calls Freedom but in truth, it's a lie! Part 2 of 2
Mahatma Gandhi said, "I want freedom for the full expression of my personality".
In the world, freedom typically refers to the absence of constraints, especially physical, moral, and legal restrictions, that limit an individual's choices and actions. This can include political and economic freedom, religious freedom, and ANY freedom of expression. In the Bible, freedom is used to refer to spiritual freedom or freedom from sin and death.
It changes the filter of what we see and what we desire. It established a standard for man set by God himself so we could know what is really true, holy, righteous, and of a good report. Freedom…true freedom must have a known standard of truth or as we see… it has become this twisted conception internalized by many humans who have created their own wish list of what looks good and makes them feel good and in time… becomes their truth and their pathway to what “they” call freedom of choice, that the rest of us MUST recognize. Of course, that demand is not reciprocated!
God’s form of freedom is attained through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the ultimate goal that is not just for today but for eternity. It’s based on a relationship with Jesus along with a road map of the ultimate truth and freedom (the Bible) so that we might navigate being in the world but not of the world. The alternative is a basis set by individual rights and choices that change like the wind.
Bottom line: There is no standard for everyone.
Men or women can be whoever they choose to be regardless of the gender of their birth. It only matters what they want and say. That is their demand for Freedom. Brenden Bouchard spoke about the drive for centuries for individual freedom spoken of by revolutionists, humanitarians, philosophers, and spiritual leaders. "We have all heard of the inalienable right of humankind to think for ourselves, speak our minds, pursue happiness, and sing to our own conception of the Divine without the conformity imposed by small minds. History is full of people and societies controlled by a scant few with a warped sense of Freedom. And because we’re little people we relinquish our free will to a society of strangers. A reflection, again, of a society that has lost its way. And from this reality, "the worst of human horrors emerged in our past: the mass murders of races and classes because the powerful elite or the churches said to scorch the Earth and cleanse the souls, like the Holocaust exterminating millions as the world looked on for too long before acting. When Freedom is gone, the suffering sets in for all". But freedom from what? Freedom from who? And for how long?There is so much of this I agree with. There is much decency, respect, and character preached in this type of manifesto. I can see the philosophers among us listening to a podcast saying…Yeah… I agree BUT if you look closely you will see that the true foundational basis that it is built on…. will fall because man fails. Because "man's truth"… man's concept of Freedom changes with the day.
The world's quest for freedom is vastly different from what Jesus preached.
While the world seeks freedom through material possessions, power, and control over others including our self-will, Jesus taught that true freedom comes from surrendering oneself to God and living a life of service to others. Throughout history, humanity has regularly changed opinions on what they think is “truth.” But Ps 119:89 states it clearly
"Forever, O LORD, Your word is SETTLED in heaven".
Jesus preached that we must love our neighbors as ourselves and give up our own desires to follow God's will. This means putting others first and living a life of selflessness, rather than just seeking personal gain. James 2:8Christianity defines freedom as the ability to live in accordance with God's will! It is a state of being liberated from sin and its consequences, which include death and eternal condemnation. We believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to save humanity from sin, granting them access to eternal life through faith. The Bible clearly outlines the concept of freedom in various scriptures. In John 8:36, Jesus says, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." This verse emphasizes how salvation through Christ grants true freedom. I didn't will it, dig for it, earn it… Galatians 5:1 also highlights this idea by stating that "it is for freedom that Christ has set us free." Christian freedom is not a license to do whatever one desires but rather an opportunity to live a life pleasing to God. A life of Christ-centered Freedom! There is no other… Only shadows, mirrors, and dead-end streets. They build up their silo not knowing they will die tomorrow, yet they live for fame, reputation, and comfort. Luke 12:16The truth is we receive the values and virtues of living for Jesus that far outweigh was we gave away. He is who offered us True Freedom because of what he gave! We didn't give away anything of value to follow Christ. It is something the world will never know with all its wealth and excess. oppression, inequality, dictatorship, and injustice. The flesh can never know spirit. Jesus taught that true freedom comes from forgiveness and letting go of anger and resentment as we surrender our entire existence to Christ alone…the cornerstone. Eph 2:19https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt8k62M7oBIWhere The Spirit Of The Lord Is – Hillsong Worship
