Freedom | Adventist.ua

Why do we crave freedom?

What does freedom mean to you? It seems that modern society values freedom very much: the great advantage of living in a free state, having freedom of thought and religion. Of course, all these assets of society are necessary to us, as well as a literal opportunity to dispose of their time and location. We need freedom to achieve our goals, to feel strength and our own worth. When we are independent, all the doors are open to us, no one can interfere with our desires.

We live in the age of independence, and the word freedom takes on rather unexpected shades. The society dictates that absolute independence will make us free and happy, many are afraid even to have a family, so as not to be obligated to anyone and not dependent on anyone. But is this really freedom? What kind of freedom is she?

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free

How to find it?

The most accurate answer, as always, can be found in the Bible:

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:31,32

But we thought so freely, like many of our contemporaries, to which Jesus answers:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin

John 8:34

Yes, we are sinners, it is difficult to realize because we tend to think of ourselves only the best. Many consoled themselves that it was no worse than others, and sometimes even better. People think that if no one was killed, not robbed, and so on. - this does not concern them. But this is a mistake: sin concerns everyone and is closer to us than it seems. This is confirmed by the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Matthew 5:21,22

The mere thought of inflicting harm on God or people is already a sin. Sin is all that destroys our relationship with people and God, and also what destroys us from within.

This means that we are dependent on sin. Our dependence is manifested in the fact that, in order to do something good, a person is not always able to do this:

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

The Epistle of the Apostle Paul to Romans 7: 19-20

Jesus is ready to make us free, and he wants to do it. Respecting our freedom, He can not do this without our consent. We are free to say to the Lord: "No!" And to remain slaves of sin or to let Him into our hearts having gained true freedom.

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