The 4th of July is meaningful for those of us from the United States because it is, of course, our nation’s Independence Day. On the 4th, we celebrate freedom, remember the price of freedom and reflect (consciously or subconsciously) on our personal definitions of freedom. However, we often lack one imperative discussion: How do you find freedom?
As travelers, when we go abroad, it is made particularly obvious that our nation’s freedom is a unique privilege. We witness different political hardships that other countries face. We see levels of poverty and social captivity that alter our senses of gratitude and faith.
Moreover, we experience how cultural differences change how communities interact based on their own free will. Seeing these national differences makes this posed question about finding freedom all the more valid.
To thoroughly explore this fairly existential question, let’s go over a series of questions that will answer it. First, we need to take a personal inventory of how we define freedom.
How Do You Find Freedom? How Do You Embrace Freedom?
You embrace freedom by choosing, whether consciously or subconsciously, which element of life directs your day-to-day (whether that be a deity, government, person, career, value, emotion, etc.) and giving yourself permission to rely on that source of power for your quality of life.
This means that, basically, you can embrace freedom in anything.
And, conversely, you can be held captive in anything.
So, where is your freedom found? How do you find freedom personally?
In a governed nation? Political party? Savior? Comfortable job? Financial security?
Unfortunately, we usually run into trouble because we place our individual freedoms in the responsibility of those who will inevitably fail. Plus, we justify our belief systems by only interacting with like-minded people in attempts to find “freedom” in a familial in-group bias.
Constantly, we act in accordance with group standard. This results in a fruitless, “they believe this, so I believe this” life. We seek “freedom” in approval from the in-group when this is, in fact, the opposite of freedom. We are actually allowing the in-group to hold us hostage in this process.
Our concept of freedom is usually completely distorted.
Why Is Freedom Important In Our Life?
Freedom is important in our life because, without freedom, we would have no free will or autonomy whatsoever. We wouldn’t have anything unique about us as individuals.
This is because without freedom, we have no opinions or personal interests. Without opinions or personal interests, we essentially have a society of identical robots.
When we have at least a slight sense of freedom and autonomy, we have different opinions, beliefs, values and cultures that collectively build a functioning and progressive society.
But, our levels of freedom vary depending on our sources of freedom. This fact then leads to the following question.
Where Does Freedom Come From?
Simply put, our freedom comes from whoever is in charge. The president governs the freedoms of a nation. Bosses govern the freedoms of employees. Parents (usually) govern freedom in the home, and so forth.
Thus, our ultimate source of freedom is God.
You may or may not believe in God, but, regardless, you can’t argue the fact that if there is some sort of supreme deity governing the entire Earth, then that deity would be the Earth’s supreme source of freedom.
What Does The Bible Say About Freedom?
The Bible says a lot about the freedoms we receive both from God and other earthly leaders. Here are ten Bible verses that talk about freedom and help give a Biblical definition of the concept.
1. Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
2. 2 Corinthians 3:17
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
3. 1 Peter 2:16-17
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
4. 1 Corinthians 6:12
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say — but not everything is beneficial.”
5. John 8:32
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
6. Psalm 118:5 (How Do You Find Freedom)
Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.”
7. John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
8. Romans 6:18 (How Do You Find Freedom)
“You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”
9. Romans 8:21
“That the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”
10. 1 Corinthians 9:19 (How Do You Find Freedom)
For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.”
What Does It Mean To Be Free In The Bible?
In the Bible, to be free means being free of guilt and shame as a direct result of believing in Jesus’s sacrificial death on your behalf.
Jesus died on behalf of your sins and tribulations so that you may experience freedom not only on Earth, but also eternally with him in heaven. With this freedom, we are able to love, honor and serve others freely as God does.
Obviously, according to this definition, it is evident that Jesus has a lot of power — infinite power, in fact. Believe it or not, Jesus has enough power to rid the world of all guilt, shame, sin and captivity. So, why doesn’t he?
Because God also grants us freedom of choice. If the results of our choices (guilt and shame, but also joy and success) did not exist, there is no way our choices could exist. Our choices and the results of our choices coexist.
Why Did God Give Us Freedom?
God could have easily designed a perfect world, free from sin, shame and, therefore, freedom. So, why did God give us freedom?
God gives us freedom so that we are able to give and experience true love with God and others. If God hadn’t given us freedom, we would not have been able to truly love.
Let me put it this way.
If you created seven billion people in hopes that they would love you and want a genuine friendship with you, you have two options. One, you could design the people to forcibly love you with no alternative. Or, two, you would give them the chance to choose to love you. Which sounds better?
You would much rather have someone choose to love you, right?
Exactly. The same principle goes for God wanting us to choose to love Him.
How Do I Feel Freedom?
There is a difference between knowing you’re free and feeling free. Ultimately, you feel freedom by letting go of parts of life that no longer serve you and embracing the parts of life that help you grow spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically and financially.
You feel God’s freedom when you let go of sin, guilt and shame, and instead embrace God’s spirit, understanding, love and provision.
I know this can be a lot to process and take in. So, if you have any questions or just want to discuss, please feel free to leave a reply below, send me an email or private message me on Instagram. I would love to chat!
More On Cultural Competence (How Do You Find Freedom?)
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10 Attainable New Year’s Resolutions To Travel More
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