FREEDOM – THE CONUNDRUM

What is freedom? We all want to be free… free from rules, restrictions, interference, so that we can be “our own person”. Young people believe that true freedom means kicking over the traces, shaking off all restrictions, particularly parental control, doing their own thing with no regard for consequences. 

Our own country’s rot began the day we had our first “democratic” election, celebrated every year as Freedom Day. “Freedom” in this country has become what Israel’s philosophy was in the days of the Judges… everyone did what was right in their own eyes.

Trouble is, “It’s a jungle out there!“ Outside the boundaries of protection, without rules and restrictions, life is dangerous, and death awaits the unwary.

Freedom is a myth if it’s life without boundaries that we want. This produces self-indulgence of the worst kind, at the cost of harm to others. Freedom from external restrictions produces the most painful and devastating bondage of the heart and conscience.

Some people believe that we will be free if we know the truth. Free from what? Knowing the truth is all that it is. Knowing the truth will make as little difference to our lives as knowing that the sky is blue.

APPLYING the truth we know is what makes us free.

However, what is the truth and where do we find truth? In today’s world, objective truth has become “my truth”, that which suits me, but that is confusing because “truth” loses is objectivity and universal application and becomes a “me-thing”, a free-for-all. “My truth” becomes a collision course and is no solution to our search for real freedom.

We can echo the cynical question Pilate asked of Jesus, “What is truth?“ (and he didn’t even wait for an answer).

For truth to be truth, it must be objective, unchanging, and apply to everyone equally and alike. Truth is vitally important for us because it frees us to live with meaning and purpose, and without guilt, shame, or fear. Where can such truth be found?

Jesus gives us the answer, unashamedly, and without fear of contradiction.

“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.”

John 17:17 NLT

Psalm 119 affirms this conviction…

“The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.”

Psalms 119:160 NLT

Since God’s Word claims to be the truth, it must be tested and proved to be true as it claims.

“Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.”

Proverbs 30:5 NLT

Jesus went even further. Not only did He declare God’s Word to be truth, He also claimed to be truth in person because He is God’s Word clothed in flesh.

“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6 NLT

God’s Word is the source of all truth, and is made visible through the human Jesus, living His life on earth for us to see as we read His story. We need to read and heed His instructions, and live by them, following His example, if we want to experience real freedom.

“So, the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”

John 1:14 NLT

Jesus made us this offer…

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31-32 NLT

He put His finger on the real issues of bondage and freedom, not freedom from the restrictions and requirements of parents, society, or government, but freedom of heart and conscience from guilt, shame, and fear which are the consequences of disregarding the truth.

Now, if Jesus is the truth in a human, and He is God’s word in the flesh, then what He says works.

BUT….