A Relationship

        True freedom comes from having a relationship with Christ.”(moretobe.com)

We often confuse the true nature of freedom. For many of us, freedom has become synonymous with personal independence, which is the ability to make our own decisions in life. This is not the freedom that Jesus promised us. When Jesus revealed himself as the Messiah, He said that He had come to Earth to "proclaim freedom" (Luke 4:18). And on another occasion, He said, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).

 

Jesus was not setting us free to do whatever we wanted; He was freeing us to do what we ought to do. He was liberating us to walk in relationship with God and to be the kind of people He created us to be. Jesus shocked the Pharisees, the spiritual leaders of His day, when He stated, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin" (John 8:34).

 

Jesus was asserting that we are all under the power and control of a natural tendency to sin. We can't get away from it by ourselves. Sin brings a penalty that, by ourselves, we can't escape either. The Bible says, "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).

 

As we choose to trust and follow Him, our sinful habits, thoughts and attitudes lose their control. Guilt disappears, and peace of mind dominates. Right habits become the norm. This process reminds me a great deal of Austin French’s song “Freedom Hymn.”

 

I push, I pull
Go back and forth finding myself pounding on a locked door
I try to make it out alone without your help
But I know I'll never win this war
I can never be free without you 

 

This is the sound of chains breaking
This is the beat of a heart changing
This is a song of a soul forgiven
This is my freedom hymn

I breathe the air of freedom in knowing my life
Is better off in Your hands
The past is gone what's done is done
Now I'm alive
I'm never gonna look back
I can never be free without you

 

         Who the Son sets
         Is free indeed
         I'm free  

 

If your freedom hymn is just beginning, here are two simple tips to remember to help you make positive progress on breaking the chains that are keeping you from moving forward.

 

1.  Identify the lies of the Devil He knows your weaknesses better than you do. The next time the Devil whispers a lie in your ear; don’t trust an experienced liar like him.

 

2.     Replace the Devil’s lies with the truth of the Bible God’s Word is full of promises that can provide you with a positive view of your life. Take advice from you Heavenly Father who only wants the best for you. [i]

 

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[i] Sources used:

·        “Freedom in Christ” by Focus on the Family

 

·        “Three Ways to Experience True Freedom in Christ” by Christingarmentsofsplendor.com