By Casey Cleveland
Freedom has an agenda. We all know that it is not free, but rather quite costly to attain and ensure. May I first express my deep and humble gratitude to those who have served, are currently serving, or are yet to serve for the sake of freedom. I realize this has or will cost you and your family deeply, and I as one who lives in this freedom as an American truly appreciate the sacrifice.
But what about the agenda of freedom? What are we supposed to do with our freedom? Express it, explore it, enjoy it…yes. But there is more. There has to be. To understand the agenda of freedom, we must understand the author of freedom. Freedom is not a new American idea, it is a God idea. And the way that God has most beautifully expressed his full character and nature is in the person of Jesus Christ. This leaves us with the opportunity of exploring what Jesus said about freedom to fully understand the agenda of freedom.
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Awesome. Thanks Jesus. It is the truth that will set us free. But what is the truth and why are we set free? The truth in Jesus is that we are far worse than we could imagine, and far more loved than we could ever hope. (Tim Keller) The truth is that we have chosen to find our joy outside of worshipping the one true God. The truth is that we have broken his law, design, and heart. The truth is we deserve punishment and that punishment is death. Separation from a holy God for eternity. The truth is that same God has come on a rescue mission for sinners just like me for his glory. The truth is, he broke into humanity, went to a cross where my sins were placed, and received the punishment that was due me. God the Father punishing God the Son on behalf of Casey the runaway. And the truth is, that if I leave my pursuit of joy outside of Jesus, trust in his work done for me, and pursue life in him…that is exactly what he will give me. The good news of the gospel is that I am free! Free from the penalty of sin. Free from the power of sin. Free one day from the presence of sin. But free to do what? What is the agenda of freedom?
“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.” Galatians 5:13 Bam. Thanks Paul. There it is, the agenda of freedom. That we are now really and truly free to relentlessly pursue God and others with a real and genuine and refreshing and love. In Jesus, you are free to live a life that is not consumed with you! You are free to experience the unimaginably joyful life that comes with loving God and others. You are free to have Jesus as your treasure and love people like crazy. Thank you Jesus, the author of true freedom.
This Fourth of July I encourage you to pursue the agenda of freedom. Trust me, it will be to your delight.
Much love… Casey