“…she and her husband discovered the door of their apartment was sealed. They received word of the lockdown but were surprised how fast it happened. Sometimes doors are sealed with electronic alarms, others are wired shut, bolted down, or welded shut. Even their fire escapes were locked down, many from before the pandemic.”
This is an excerpt from a letter written by missionaries in a country where Christians are actively persecuted. They were recounting their experiences as the number of COVID cases surged, leading to draconian measures by the government to contain the spread of the infection. What little freedoms they were accustomed to were suddenly rescinded. If one is fortunate to live in a democratic society, such as the United States, we may take for granted many freedoms that are guaranteed to us by our respective laws. If taken away, we may feel justified in protesting. In a totalitarian regime, what little freedoms that are granted can be quickly taken away and there is little or no recourse. Some may even die challenging the regime to preserve their freedom.
During a worldwide pandemic, the freedom to choose how we protect ourselves from a possible infection has polarized citizens in many countries. The desire for freedom is one of the most powerful of human needs. Why do we seek freedom? Autonomy? Self-determination? These are important but are there other reasons that are even more important? Perhaps we are seeking freedom from guilt? We have guilt because of our sinful nature. When we sin, it damages and may break relationships, including within ourselves. It leads to our guilt, thinking we are powerless to do anything about it. Yet, we still try. How can we overcome this guilt? Protesting? Counseling? Alcohol? Medications? Once again, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, gives us the answer.
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32 (NASB)
If we obey Jesus Christ, we will know the Truth and it will make us free, but free from what?
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:34-37 (NASB)
True freedom is to be free from sin. If we humble ourselves and come before Jesus Christ, confessing and repenting of our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us. We will be free from the guilt that paralyzes and destroys our soul. Jesus Christ offers us the solution.
Some of us would choose to die to preserve our freedom. Jesus Christ chose to die so that we may be free in Him.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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