We all want to be free. Free from stress. Free from fear. Free from debt. Jesus talks about a freedom that is transformational not momentary. He says in John 8:21& 22, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
There are a few interesting points about this. The Jews that heard this claimed they were never not free. Funny considering that the Jewish existence had been one marked by captivity with intermittent periods of freedom (i.e. Egypt, Babylon). But, I think this goes to a deeper issue. A core issue. Jesus said that those who sin are slaves to sin. The Jews (and we) don't want to believe that. We want to believe that we are free to make wise choices on our own. And, yet, Jesus says only if we are faithful can we be free to make wise choices.
The starting point is believing Jesus is who he said he is. And, if you do, now you can begin to be free. But, then, we must remain "faithful" to what he says to do. And, honestly, many times I think I am just smarter, wiser. Or, my flesh pulls. But, Jesus bids us to remain faithful to his teachings and if we do the truth will set us free. The truth will come from basic Biblical principles like the one below and from his spirit communing with and speaking to us.
Do you want to be free, really free? Be faithful.
Oh, one cool proverb I read today: Prov. 11:24&25 "Give freely and become more wealthy;be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed."
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