Are You “really” Free?

We can define freedom in different aspects, but it all boils into a straightforward definition – it means having the ability to act, think and speak without constraint or interference. It is whether we exercise our political rights or we speak our minds. As long as nothing is holding us back from doing it, we can consider it freedom.

However, given all that, are we “really” free?

If we rely on the universal definition of “freedom,” I believe no one is truly free. We all live bound by rules, regulations, and policies. These rules and limitations are not only limited to society but also in school, at work, and even with institutions with essential services such as malls, real estate, banking, and finance.

In the Christian context, only HIDDEN SIN holds us down. Whenever we sin, we continue to commit multiple sins to support the other sins or think we get away with it already, and it weaves numerous sins as you go deep into it.

I have personally experienced bondage with the sins of my past. As I think about it, I feel “super” as I sin after sin. It made me feel indestructible as I thought I was getting away with all my mischiefs and enjoying all the fruits of my “efforts.” All the years I was steering my boat, I thought I could live like that forever. Until God finally allowed all the consequences to catch me.

It is in Galatians 5, where the Apostle Paul explains in detail what freedom is in Christ. Only the truth, Christ (John 14:6), can truly set us free (v1). We cannot fully find favor in God’s eyes if we only live by fulfilling the law and becoming legalistic (v2-4). When we acknowledge that we receive the Holy Spirit upon accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, nothing else in the law matters except for expressing it in love (v5-6). But what holds us from sharing the Gospel and surrendering our lives to the Lord is because of the fear of modern persecution and the stereotyping of society, even though it is God Himself who called us to freedom (v7-10).

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Galatians 5:13-14 NLT

God loves us so much that He allows us to do ANYTHING we want, but we can never choose the consequences of it. As humans, it is tough to battle with the devil, the flesh, and the world if not guided by the Holy Spirit.

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

Galatians 5:19, 22 NLT

Those who have already found the truth in Christ can enjoy the freedom it brings with the hopes of no longer going back to the past nor making others stumble (v24-26).

So going back to my story, how did I get free from the bondage of sin? I confessed all my sins by sharing Jesus’ testimony in my life, and no longer ashamed of the brokenness in my life that made me who I am today. All the brokenness allowed God’s glory to shine through me as I continued to journey with Jesus. I no longer hide my past sins, and I am in a continuous prayer of sinning less and less — still, I Am human. I will never be proud of everything I have done in the past, but I can only boast about the greatness of my God, who has intentionally pursued and saved me out of that bondage.

So, Am I “really” free? YES. How about you?