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These words that are at the core of the U.S. Declaration of Independence continue to resonate in the hearts of Americans to this day, speaking to the freedom that has characterized America since 1776.
A little over a decade after 1776, the French Revolution began in Europe, catalyzing a movement that has dramatically altered the structure of governments and society in modern times. The French equated freedom with human un-restraint, viewing ultimate liberty as the ability to not be controlled by God or governing authorities.
The book of Exodus in the Bible tells the story of the Israelites suffering under the oppression of Pharaoh. They were subjected to slavery and were not able to experience freedom. During that time, the Israelites turned to God, crying out for help and deliverance. God heard their cries and instructed his servant Moses to go to Pharaoh.
"And the Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: Let My people go, that they may serve Me.’" - Exodus 8:1 (NKJV)
Clearly, this desire for freedom is powerful and innate in humanity. It forms the foundation for government, fuels the fire of rebellion against authority, and causes people to call upon God in desperation. But true freedom can be easy to miss!
True freedom is not found in attempts to become our own gods or to operate without rule or authority as some enduring the French Revolution believed.
True freedom is not found in opportunities to gain as much wealth and material possessions as possible as American consumerism would have us believe.
On the contrary, true freedom is found when we are free to serve a bigger purpose than ourselves, not being controlled by any human restriction that hinders us from using our gifts and skills to honor and worship God.
The true purpose of freedom is to worship and serve God the Creator through our time, talent, and treasures – including our wealth (anything we have beyond our daily necessities).
Prior to their release from bondage in Egypt, God’s people were enslaved. They were like many of us are today, not having the margin to fully serve God through the use of all of their gifts and talents. They were subject to their need to make a living and did not have any excess time or wealth to give back to God for His Kingdom's purposes.
God saw this and brought them to a place of freedom where they could serve and worship Him. He gave them land, resources, and wealth, and when He did, He instructed them, "And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day." (Deuteronomy 8:18)
It is dangerous to have freedom without knowing the purpose and source of freedom!
Those who do not know the biblical purpose of freedom tend to abuse their freedom to satisfy the lust of their flesh. They think that their wealth comes from their intelligence and skill, forgetting to remember the One who made them who they are.
When the Lord blesses us with freedom, we should understand that:
1. Wealth and freedom are intricately tied together
2. Wealth gives us the freedom to do what we really want to do
3. Our ability to obtain wealth is from the Lord and the Lord alone
4. Wealth removes the constraints or limitations we have in our lives
5. The single reason that God enables us to have more than we need for our daily necessities is so that we may have freedom
6. The true purpose of freedom is to worship and serve God the Creator through our time, talents, and treasures
My prayer for you today is that you would recognize the freedom in your life and use it to worship and serve God, turning away from the temptation to satisfy your fleshly desires and using your freedom to advance His Kingdom.
Reflection: What are the true purpose of freedom?
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Copyright © Patrice Tsague NPIM
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