Day 29 – Freedom and Independence

When a nation gains independence, it gains freedom from a colonial power. It is set free to determine its own future and destiny. Independence is only meaningful if it also means freedom – freedom from control, bondage or slavery.

Independence does not necessarily mean freedom. Independence could mean, “stand alone; no one to lean on or rely, depending on no one”. If a person or a nation has gained independence but not freedom, it could be a frightening thing. He may find himself isolated, helpless, left to fend for himself and at the same time, still strapped in bondages, poverty, etc.

This however, is quite contrary to God’s plan for us. When man sinned, we fell into the bondage of sin, enslaved to do what sin dictates. A slave of sin is not free to make decisions that would glorify or please God. It always chooses the opposite. It chooses not to lean on God, but live a life independent from God. The very core definition of a sinful life is a life lived independent from God that says, “I don’t need God, and I won’t depend on Him”. When Jesus came to set us free from the entanglement of sins and slavery to sin, He brings us true freedom, not just independence. When we are set free, we can exercise our freewill choices to choose God and His ways. For His ways bring us into His blessings and His love.

A life of freedom in Christ is not an “independent life”. When Christ has set us free from the bondages of sins, He restores us to that original relationship with God the Father. The Father is one whom we can totally depend on in life. Life in Christ means independent from the controlling power of sins and darkness, dependent on God’s grace and mercy. He is pleased to see us trusting Him completely, 100% for all we need in life. He is always ready and willing to provide for His children.

Be freed, not just independent!