“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12
Our national freedom and our spiritual freedom were both purchased at a great sacrifice. Countless men and women have volunteered to go to war for our nation. Each one who committed understood the risk—that they might have to die to secure freedom for others. But when our Savior chose to step into the battlefield of earth’s brokenness, He knew with certainty He would suffer and die—not for one nation, but for the entire human race. He died so we could have eternal freedom. My good friend once said:
“The human race is the recipient of the greatest freedom—the freedom from sin.” ~Kerry “Mitch” Mitchell
The question is—will we avail ourselves of the freedom Jesus offers, or, will we be like a person who chooses to abuse freedom and live in prison? My friend, Jesus gave us a freedom that no war on earth could ever secure: freedom from the power and penalty of sin. And according to God’s Word, this gift isn’t to be wasted:
“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
So how do we waste our spiritual freedom?
By using it as a license to indulge our own desires. That’s what it means to “live by the flesh” in Galatians chapter 5. When we elevate our personal wants above God’s truth about His plan for our life, we fall into the illusion that doing whatever we want is the same as being free. But is it really?
Just look around.
Many of us live in a culture that claims to prize personal autonomy above all else—but yet we are more enslaved than ever before. Drug addiction, sexual brokenness, hatred, violence, depression, suicide, family breakdown… if our self-serving freedom is so fulfilling, why are we falling apart?
This is not freedom; this is slavery disguised as self-expression.
But true spiritual freedom in Christ offers something far better.
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
So what does real freedom look like? Well, here are a just a few self assessment clues we are living in real freedom:
1. We Have the Love of Christ: God’s love in us becomes the driving force to love even our enemies.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:7–8
2. We Have the Mind of Christ and are living the Mission of Christ:
The mind of Christ is humble, obedient, and focused on the will of the Father—making disciples.
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who… made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant… He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5–8
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
3. We Produce the Fruit of the Spirit
When we live by the Spirit, not the flesh, the evidence is clear:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
Galatians 5:22–23
Does serving others, loving enemies, and dying to self sound like freedom? To the flesh—no. It sounds like a loss. But to the Spirit, it is gain beyond imagination. Let’s be honest: freedom in Christ doesn’t appeal to the flesh. It clashes with this world’s false gospels like—the prosperity gospel, the “me-first” gospel, the entertainment gospel.
What do those gospels really offer?
Not much more than: “Get all you CAN, CAN all you get, sit on the CAN, and kick the CAN when you die—because you’re not taking the CAN with you.” Yes, that’s humorous—but it’s also sad. This is the emptiness we chase when we trade God’s freedom for worldly freedom.
But Jesus offers something far richer:
- Peace that surpasses understanding. (Philippians 4:7)
- Joy that no one can take away. (John 16:22)
- Purpose that never fades. (2 Timothy 1:9)
- A future that never ends. (John 14:2–3)
When we weigh the richness of spiritual freedom in Christ against the slavery of living by the flesh—there’s no contest.
My friend, live free—and live full!
Reflection Thought:
What version of freedom are you living in today—freedom in Christ or “freedom” of self-expression? What fruit is your life producing, and what would it look like to surrender more fully to Christ’s freedom?
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for purchasing my freedom with Your blood. You laid down Your life—knowing the cost so I could live in true liberty—free from sin, shame, and condemnation. Forgive me for the times I’ve misused that freedom and lived according to the flesh. Open my eyes to the emptiness of worldly “freedom,” and renew my desire to walk in the power of Your Spirit. Let me love like You, think like You, and serve like You. Make me a disciple maker and a Holy Spirit Fruit producer! May my life reflect the fruit of true freedom that brings You glory. In Your name, Amen.
