Many people live their lives in a quest for freedom. They want the freedom to do whatever they want to do, whenever they want to do it. They say, “this is a free country”, and live their lives as though there are no consequences for their actions. I thank God we live in a country where, for the most part, we are free to choose the way we live, yet the laws of our nation permit many things that are not approved by the Word of God. Proverbs 14:12 tells us “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” As Christians, we answer to the highest law: the Word of God.

If I live my life in a way that is contrary to the Word, resulting in fear, rejection, sickness, poverty, and death, am I really free? If I constantly over indulge in alcohol resulting in an addiction that destroys my body am I really free? If I indulge in a relationship lifestyle that allows sickness and disease to torment and kill me, am I really free? If my lifestyle choices destroy my family am I really free? What if all this freedom I have really isn’t freedom at all, but simply slavery dressed up as freedom?

Where then does true freedom come from? Jesus said this to a group of people who lived their lives in the confines of their own laws: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) it is possible to obey all the laws of the United States of America, and not experience the true freedom that God provides. Freedom can only be found one way. Jesus tells us “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Jesus is THE TRUTH, and only by giving our lives completely to Him can we experience TRUE FREEDOM! The Bible also tells us that Jesus is the Living Word, and Creator of all things. That means we are responsible to live our lives in submission to the entire Word of God, whether we agree with what it says or not. By doing so, we tread the only sure path to freedom and fulfillment in life.

Real and enduring freedom in life cannot be experienced by those who rebel against the standards of life and morality expressed in God’s Word. A time is coming when every person that has passed from this life, and those who are living today will give account for their lives. Some will stand before the Great White Throne of God’s justice, and others will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. We will not be asked about the good deeds we did, or the freedom we thought we had. The only questions that will be pertinent are these: Did we embrace the forgiveness made available to us by Jesus? Did we acknowledge Him as Lord and live by His Word? If we can answer yes to these questions, then we will prove that we were truly free in this life and therefore qualified for eternal freedom. As Jesus Himself said “….if the Son makes you free, you will be truly free. ” Do you know Jesus my friend? Are you truly free? The decision is yours, and eternity is waiting.