Freedom #1—Informed Freedom

In the gospel the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus to proclaim, he announced that God was bringing about liberty and freedom. By declaring that entry into the kingdom of God was available, he offered the freedom of a righteous community enjoying God’s providence. By absorbing God’s punishment for our sin, Jesus freed us from suffering its consequences. By the work of the Holy Spirit in us, he enables us to live freely in that we now desire to do what will make us eternally happy. Christian freedom is a many faceted jewel. It shines in distinction to much of what goes by the term “freedom” today. By carefully pondering these promises, we will be able to fine tune our faith so that we use our freedom wisely.

If you abide in my word, then you are truly my disciples, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. … Whoever sins is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; but the child remains forever. If therefore the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:31–34

Patients are not free to make wise decisions regarding their health and medical care unless they know the truth about their condition and about the options available to them. We can receive this truth in our relationship with the doctor. As long as we act in accord with the doctor’s instructions, we will avoid being enslaved to a disease. So we say, “the truth makes us free” and “the doctor makes us free.” And both propositions are true. So long as we abide by the doctor’s instructions, we will enjoy our health, not feeling trapped in a bad situation. Since the world in which we live is filled with information which contradicts God’s diagnosis of our spiritual condition, we must pay close attention to Jesus and abide by his instructions. For only he accurately conveys the Father’s design for living a satisfying life, both now and in eternity. The truth we see in, and hear from, Jesus about the Father’s goodness, wisdom, and power shows us how much better we will be if we follow him in the obedience of faith. Joyful sin-free living depends on truth-filled living.

Holy Father, I want to be a true disciple of your Son by living according to his word. But I hear so much noise around me. Cause the joy of his freedom to make me hear his voice more clearly above the crowd.