Freedom

...the Truth shall set you free. - John 8:32

Many people even Christians believe that choosing the “narrow road” forfeits a life of freedom for one of total servitude. Every choice we make in life has consequences. They can have a huge impact on our lives or they can be barely noticeable. Jesus said in order to follow Him we have to “deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow.” If you live a life filled with selfishness, then “Yes!”, your freedom of choice has been severely limited. But at what sacrifice or exchange? Every commandment our Lord gave us was for freeing us from bondage. Our sin and selfish choices has only led to death and suffering in this world. Christ’s commandments lead to the prosperity found in true freedom, contentment and peace found in any circumstance, and true joy found in the simple, ordinary things within day to day living. God opens our eyes to the things that really matter — that have true everlasting beauty, not a passing fancy or fad. You may not remember the day you got your first Ipod, but you remember the moment you first fell in love. Christ lets us see beauty in the ordinary, greatness in small matters, potential in the trivial, and freedom in service.

In this day and age we have limited, personalized definition of freedom. Among many other factors, it is subjective to our culture, financial and political views. In truth, freedom is only found in our faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the narrow way. He said, “I am the Truth” — “and the Truth shall set you free.”

Matthew 16:24 (NIV)
24Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. 28I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”