Christian Freedom #8 — Freeing Truth

Jesus said, “If you continue in my teaching, you are truly disciples of mine; and you will know the truth; and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

At an early age our parents taught us the facts about gravity. Youthful experiments designed to test the reliability of these lessons reaffirmed this truth, sometimes quite painfully. As disciples of those who made this aspect of reality coherently clear to us, we continue to order our lives in accord with this certainty. This truth frees us in that we are not constrained by the consequences of foolish action; rather, we have the ability to act fearlessly as we walk down the street, throw a ball in the field, or leap in celebration. The gravity of Jesus’ teaching is greater than what we learned about how apples fall from trees, because Jesus’ teaching can free us from the deadly constraints of sin. If we consistently order our lives according to his paradigm, we will never be cut off from access to all of God’s resources. So as his disciples we will continually be able to act with more proficiency and courage as the reality of God’s grace opens before us; and we will experience the freedom of eternal satisfaction as the fullness of his glory unfolds through the ages. Jesus’ teaching frees us, because it educates us in the truth about the grave enormity of God.

Almighty God, may the attractive power of your greatness keep me upright and fearless as I follow in the steps of your ever truthful Son. Amen.