31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
Earlier this month, in two of the countries where I have lived, Independence Day was celebrated. For the U.S.A., it is July 4th. In Venezuela, it is July 5th. What is supposedly celebrated on these holidays is the freedom obtained from the oppression by a country that had dominated them.
Yet today, in both of those countries, there are many people who feel more oppressed than free. In Venezuela, they are lamenting the oppression by the government, the economic situation, the lack of basic foods and medicines, etc. In contrast, for those who live in the United States, oppression is felt from other sources, stresses, and worries—many self-induced.
Everyone seeks freedom. And in that search, we may fear ending up more dependent than independent. But it all depends on how you define the terms freedom, dependence, and independence; they can be good or bad.
Do you define freedom in political or economic terms?
Or do you define freedom as something more internal (mental, emotional or spiritual) that no one can take away from you?
Do you describe dependence as something negative because you don’t want to be seen as week, needing to depend on others?
Or do you recognize our dependence on Jesus as the author and perfecter of our faith, our Savior and Lord whose blood we must have in order to be in relationship with God?
And if independence is defined as freedom from oppression, what greater oppression is there than that which is found under sin’s grasp?
Jesus says that we will know the truth and that the truth will set us free (John 8:32). He later reveals that He is that truth (John 14:6).
Today, I invite you to celebrate the dependence we have on Christ and the true freedom we find in Him. When I put it in perspective, I rejoice as a slave of God, dependent on Christ, living by the Spirit. That is the truth and true freedom the world is seeking, that can only be found in Him.
Are you truly free? Do you know the Truth that leads to true freedom?
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