According to the dictionary, freedom is a noun that means the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without restraint or any hindrance; individuals thus have freedom of choice, not being imprisoned or enslaved. The right to freedom of association is recognised as a human right, a political freedom, and a civil liberty. Freedom and liberty are one and the same; with freedom, we are at liberty! In this discussion, both words will be used for emphasis.
WORLD GROUPS SEEKING FREEDOM
The world today is seeking freedom and every opportunity to exercise fundamental human rights (see www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights). Every group, sect, creed, race, and age is seeking some level of freedom. There is the faith-based, Islamic Jihadist, various militia groups, Boko Haram, LGBTQ, and abortionist groups. Many are seeking freedom to have common-law relationships and children outside of wedlock, while others are seeking information freedom and freedom of expression in various ways. Through dance, film, writing, music, etcetera, some are seeking freedom from morality. Seeking freedom from all positive moral values—this is how far the world has come!
The World Wide Web is brimming with information due to the freedom of publication and freedom to share ideas, findings, research, personal stories, movies, and many more! There is so much that it is too much; ‘information overload’ is what it is called. It could hurt you or make you sick, depending on your level of consumption and capacity to filter. Your freedom can lead to sin or lead from sin. Where are you on your freedom journey?
BIBLICAL FREEDOM
He (from all the groups mentioned above—abortionists, militia groups, LGBTQ) whom the Son (Jesus Christ our LORD, Saviour, Redeemer, Salvation) shall set free is free indeed! True freedom starts with Jesus, as stated in John 3:16. According to Paul in Romans 6:6-7, “For we know that our old self was crucified with Him (Jesus Christ) so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin, because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” It involves knowing who you are (identity) and whose you are (the God- factor). “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
EXPRESSIONS OF FREEDOM
We use or express our freedom in positive ways or by using phrases like:
- Oh, the students from grades 2–6 enjoyed their freedom to play and run around the fully equipped play fields!
- Johnson’s teenage son appreciates the freedom to decide how to spend his monthly allowance.
- The group of students worked closely on the project and were sharp with their comments when making their presentations, refusing to give up their freedom of speech.
- Sharpe and the Believers from Mount Ephraim are working with government officials to preserve their freedom of association and religion.
- The women in Mali have secured their freedom to vote and associate politically.
- The Believers have secured their freedom to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in China!
“SHOULD NOTS” OF FREEDOM
Proverbs 22:28: “Remove not the ancient land mark, which thy fathers have set.”
Jeremiah 6:16: “Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein.”
Romans 6:1-2: Apostle Paul responded, “God forbid!” to the pertinent question: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
You should know what landmarks are—anatomical, biological, mathematical, and biblical landmarks. They are pointers put in place as guides for direction, recognition, and instruction to safety.
There are pointers that indicate that this child is male or female; this part of the anatomy is the head, chest, shoulders, legs, arms, and so on. If you desire a change because of some personal confusion regarding your identity or because of loss of understanding, even if through the pressure of human rebelliousness, hard-heartedness, and emotional bullying of law makers and government leaders to change the landmarks and promulgate laws to support what is outright against the established law of God Almighty, you will still be held accountable for your actions!
Hence, you should not use your freedom to: sin, lead others to sin, or lobby to make sin the acceptable norm and a part of our culture. “NO, NO!” Every law that contradicts the written Word of God should be denounced and rejected, as it will propel many to eternal damnation.
Our freedom and liberty should not be used to:
- reject God and the created order.
- bring chaos and disorder to the family, church, community, and nation.
- bring a stumbling block to others.
- corrupt others and promote immorality/destroy all established moral values.
- enslave others.
- encourage others in the path that leads to eternal destruction and damnation.
- promote disregard and disrespect for the family unit.
THE FREEDOM THAT SHOULD BE APPLIED
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbour as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14
We are to use our freedom to –
- serve others and promote godliness in the seven pillars of society – family, media, church, government, education, economy, culture.
- uproot evil and wickedness from the seven pillars.
- follow righteousness and display love and kindness in all areas of society.
- preach the gospel of grace, salvation, redemption, restoration in all nations, and continents of the world.
- support the weak and vulnerable and be a voice to the voiceless in all nations.
- teach the children in the way of the LORD and create a holy legacy for the next generation.
- model Christ Jesus in all aspects of our lives and let the light shine, dispelling all forms of darkness from the seven pillars.
REFLECT
Beloved readers, in the journey of life and destiny, let us reflect on our freedom; and give thoughtful consideration to the choices we make. All that we subscribe to and embrace, do they first honour and glorify God Almighty, our Maker? Do they influence others to life or death, light or darkness, sin or redemption? Do they promote godliness, peace, sound understanding of the issues of life? Can they guide a child into making healthy choices, good and Godly success in their own lives?
Watch your use of words, dance and music in expressing your liberty. It is freely given to you by God. Can you, like Paul, count those things that were once of personal value and pleasure as dung/nothing in order to swim in the blessed love of the LORD, discipling souls for the Kingdom? Read Philippians 3:6-8.
All the actions of abortinists, supporters of same sex marriage, lesbians, gay, bisexual, transgender, and their questioning of their real identity (identity crisis) are pulling and pushing society into sin. Lobbying to teach such behaviours in schools and putting laws in place to accept them is a ticket to eternal damnation. The political leaders and all the activist groups are not the final judge; God Almighty is the Judge of the righteous and of the wicked.
Watch how you use your freedom and liberty. The Day of Accountability is set. REPENT.
Pastor Dr. Patience Bazuaye-Alonge, Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Biology (NCU). Pastor Elder – Evidence of the Gospel Ministries Jamaica. Contact freedomcomerain@gmail.com