It is hard for us to be free. It takes some getting-used-to. This is because our bondage and imprisonment has become our comfort and purpose. Many freed people return to their prisons. Think of the old man named "Brooks" that got released from prison in "The Shawshank Redemption" and hung himself. He was physically free, yet not whole-being free. Brooks's life was prison.
"Freedom" without a reason to be becomes another prison. It is false freedom. "Freedom" is not the capacity to "do nothing and enjoy life." True freedom is a matter of the heart, and is not dependent on circumstances. True freedom is freedom to act for the sake of a high calling.
Jesus told us, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) When we are set free, in this Jesus-sense, it is for something. Freedom has a telos, a purpose, a reason. What is it, from the Jesus POV?
- In Jesus I am free to engage in the redemptive activity of God. To be used by God to set other captives free.
- I am free to love God and enter into his presence.
- I am free to love others, as I have been and am loved.
- I am free to be God's servant, living in obedience to his desires and commands.
- I am free to give my life away to others.
- I am free to be used by God. The prayer of a free person becomes: "Here I am, Lord. Use me!"
