Steps to Living in Freedom

Nelson Plasencia, Elder (and family)

The theme of freedom permeates this season we find ourselves in whether we look back at Juneteenth (June 19th) or forward to Independence Day (July 4th).

Independence Day celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.

On June 19th, 1865 the Union Soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war had ended and the slaves were free. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation which became official January 1, 1863.

Most of us are probably familiar with the old adage that “Freedom isn’t free”! Reflecting on our country's history helps us recognize three steps to living in freedom:

1- A Declaration of Freedom

2- Consequent Battles to Secure Freedom

Drafting the Declaration of Independence

3- Learning to Live in Freedom.

These lessons from history carry over into our spiritual lives. Take for instance when God delivered the nation of Israel from their captivity in Egypt. It all started with a Declaration of Freedom. God instructed Moses to go before Pharaoh and tell him “Let my people go that they may worship me”. When God declares us free it is so that we can worship Him! But God knew that Pharaoh would not let the people go except through “a strong hand”, that is, by use of force!

Just like in Exodus and the history of our nation, battles had to be fought to secure the freedom longed for. Throughout our modern history, many people have sacrificed so that all of us can enjoy freedom to worship God. We are told in the Bible “…you are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:19b-20 ESV).” Likewise, there will be spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:12) to be fought if one is to secure the freedom to worship God. At times our battles will be to secure our own freedom and at times it will be to secure the freedom of our loved ones.

Lastly, once the freedom is secured, one must learn to live in that freedom! The apostle Paul writes ‘What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound (Romans 6:1 ESV)? The implied answer and the one presented in the following verse is a resounding “NO”! Living in freedom requires commitment, courage and perseverance. In the spiritual realm this means a commitment to living life by the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2); the courage to take a stand for the things of God and the perseverance to endure to the end (Matthew 10:22)!