June 28th, 2021: Freedom: No Longer Burdened by Slavery


It was a hot weekend, but people did not seem to mind being outside with their families. It has been a long time since the last time we had the freedom to gather. The walk along the Bow River was crowded and full of life.

Freedom is something we treasure and yet take for granted often. When the shutdown was in full measure, it was not easy for many of us. We realized that we had lost something. We didn't want our movements to be restricted. We hated the thought that we had to wait in line to get into a store. We were struggling not to be able to travel to see families during holidays. Suddenly, we felt as if we had no right to be who we are and to do what we like. It was an uncomfortable feeling.

The question then: "Are we truly free? What freedom do we have when we are constantly in need of things, relationships, and acceptance from others?". Having the freedom to do whatever we want to do might not be true freedom in the end if we are motivated and controlled by our personal desires solely. Freedom is a challenging notion to understand when our struggles intertwining with the brokennesses of others.

Freedom to be is a lot harder than freedom to achieve whatever we like to do. We are free when we are able to enjoy God's presence, regain the consciousness that reflects the nature of God, and allow our hearts to be in alignment with His heart. When we can achieve that, the wickedness of the world will not impact us. Freedom is no longer about personal gains but services to others.
Galatians 5: 1

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

Galatians 5: 13

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

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