Transcript:

Hello, this is Pastor Don Willeman of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective.

As modern people, we tend to have a narrow or truncated view of freedom. We assume that as long as no one is telling me what to do or the government is not forcing me to do X or Y, then I am free. Now, this is certainly not less than freedom, but it is not the fullness of freedom. Biblically, freedom is submitting to God and His law.

In Psalm 119, the Psalmist rejoices: “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts” (Psalm 119:45 NIV). In other words, the Psalmist is saying that he is able to walk in freedom precisely because he has constrained his footstep to the obedience of God’s Word, God’s commandments.

Now, this way of thinking makes sense because the Bible tells us that we were made not for ourselves, but for God and His commandments. Therefore, we were made for loving others—living for the good of others and not just for ourselves.

Nelson Mandela nails this when he says:

“…to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” ~Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), President of South Africa and Nobel laureate

Your “freedom” as an end in itself is not true freedom. True freedom is not measured by you living the way you want, but by you loving what God wants.

Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.

“May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, according to your promise;
then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
Never take your word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.
I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.
I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.
I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame,
for I delight in your commands
because I love them.
I reach out for your commands, which I love,
that I may meditate on your decrees.”

~ Psalm 119:41-48 (ESV)

Thank you for listening to and supporting The Kingdom Perspective! The Kingdom Perspective is a ministry of Christ Redeemer Church of Hanover, NH. To hear more episodes you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts. To donate or to find out more about the ministry and resources offered by Christ Redeemer Church visit www.christredeemerchurch.org.