We live in a world where, if you were to ask any individual what the most important element of a country’s constitution should be or, maybe, what they would regard as the basic foundation of human rights within a country, you would most probably hear the same word, over and over again – the word: freedom. What is the definition of freedom though? Or maybe we should ask – who’s definition of freedom do we use?
You hear terms like “freedom of speech” because I want to say what I want, when I want and don’t you dare try to restrain me. Or, freedom of choice – irrespective of what the word of Abba Father says – I want to choose what I prefer. Have things my way. Then, of course, there is freedom of religion because I will decide who or what I want to worship and in what way I want to worship. It’s personal, private and my choice. I could however, never find the bible verse to support this – still haven’t. Maybe that explains the fact that there are almost 41,000 denominations worldwide, all calling themselves “Christians”, but they fight and debate in the most unchristian-like manner you can possibly imagine. The list of man-made, “freedom desires” goes on and on.
We even celebrate a “freedom-day” as public holiday. What definition of freedom, or whose definition, are we supposed to celebrate on this day is the question? Freedom from what? Our country, is most definitely not free from violence. Racism amongst different cultures in our country is, sadly, “alive and well” and our country is busy suffocating from fraudulent business practices. So many bondages strangle our country, forcing it to its knees, but at least “freedom day” is a day out of office, right? I ask again, what exactly are we free from?
We even educate our children with ungodly sayings like “rules are there to be broken” and then laugh about the manifestation of our words, while discipline has deteriorated to an almost non existing myth in our schools and obedience has become a term, on the verge of extinction! But at least we are free, right? Are we really?
Don’t forget the best one of them all – “the need to live with a free spirit.” What does that even mean? My spirit, free – from what? Or should I ask, free from who? Studying the basic definition of a “free spirit,” it includes making decisions for myself and for my benefit, embracing those who accept my choices or moving on to other things and people that better serve you, should people reject my choices. In other words – “I chose my will and I will decide and engineer my ways and I expect you to respect it, whether you agree or not.” As long as I don’t bother you, or my actions don’t hurt anyone, I will pursue my will! The question comes to mind – where does the prayer “Lord Your will be done and not mine fit in?” What about the will of Abba Father? The will of the One who created you with a purpose, dream and plan for your life. Where, or when, does a so-called free spirit, depart from self-righteousness, to make room for obedience in covenant with the Great I AM and pursue His will?
The picture of freedom that we have grown accustomed to, primarily embraces independence from others and freedom from any form of restraint. As long as no one determines or controls my decisions and ways I am free, right? Could that be the reason why so many people, to a large extent, are stuck between rebellion against authority and cheap grace?
What does the word of God teach us about true freedom? What is ABBA Father’s definition of freedom? What if we have the definition, according to the word of Abba Father, completely wrong? How can we live in covenant with our Bridegroom, if we don’t even know what it means to live in freedom – His way! What do verses mean that teach us that “the truth we know is what sets us free” (John 8:32)? Or, “when the Son sets you free – you are free indeed (John 8:36)? What does it truly mean to say – “where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17)?
I invite you to journey with me through the next few weeks as we study the Word of Abba Father and the Hebrew terms and mindset, from the bible with regards to freedom. I found myself awe-struck with surprise when I saw the vivid, true picture that the word of Abba Father paints about freedom. His way? Are you ready, precious creation of God?
Prof Gerrie Bester PhD