Freedom Isn’t Free

At first glance, you might think this is a patriotic post. Though I'm very thankful for my country and for the freedoms we have, a patriotic post is not exactly what I had in mind. Stay with me as I share my thoughts. 

An American flag waving in our neighborhood.
Photo taken in July 2020.

Yesterday, September 11th, was an iconic date in our nation. Most Americans will never forget that day 20 years ago when some very evil men, called terrorists, took control of several passenger airplanes, crashing them into large, well known buildings and towers. Those terrorists took, not only their own lives, but also the lives of thousands of innocent people in those airplanes along with people in and outside those buildings. My heart is sad when I think of people who no longer have family members living today because of this horrible attack. I pray that justice will be done someday and that the truth regarding everything that happened on that day will be "brought to light" and known.

The events surrounding September 11th always hits a little "close to home" for my family, probably more than most families in America. My Dad was a pilot with United Airlines for over 30 years. He is retired now, but my Dad would frequently fly in and out of the airports that were part of the 9/11 events. Thankfully, on the morning of 9/11, my Dad was home. He could have easily been flying that day, even one of those flights. Previous to the events of 9/11, my Dad flew one of the exact airplanes that went into one of the twin towers. I saw my Dad cry on the day those horrible events occurred. 

Yesterday morning, while coming down the stairs for breakfast, I saw my Dad sitting in his chair in our living room. The first words out of my mouth for the day were something like: 

"I'm glad you're still here, Dad, especially remembering a day like today." 

He smiled and agreed. September 11th is a date we won't forget. 

There is also another, well known date in this country. That date is July 4th, the day that America gained its independence or freedom from England. 

The horrible events that occurred on September 11th, 2001 may have had the intent of trying to take away our freedoms. I don't know that for sure, but freedom is something that can, indeed, be taken away. Sometimes, God will allow that to happen when a nation turns its back on Him. Sadly, America has been turning away from God for awhile. 

There is a phrase I've heard before, especially around Memorial Day, that says: 

"Freedom isn't free!" 

So true. 

The truth of that statement is undeniable, especially to an American soldier. America would have been taken over by its enemies long ago if there were not men protecting this country.  

Though I don't like war or anything pertaining to it, I am very thankful for those who've given their life for the freedoms we have in this country. 

As a Christian, I had to think about that statement in regards to our allegiance to God. I believe that statement also applies to the Christian life: 

Freedom isn't free.

Our freedom from sin came at an enormous cost and price. It cost the Lord Jesus His life. Jesus shed His blood for us to be free from the bondage of sin and death. Like the beautiful, old hymn says: "Hallelujah for the blood!"

The Bible also makes it clear that there is a cost to follow God. This is not taught in very many Christian churches today. Nonetheless, this remains a solid, Bible truth.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:38: 

"And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me."

Jesus repeated this again in Luke 14:27-28 when He said: 

"And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" 

Psalm 34:19 says: 

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all." 

2 Timothy 3:12 says: 

"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

Throughout the entire Bible, those who have loved and followed God with their whole heart have been persecuted or afflicted in some way. 

Over the years, I've watched some dear Christians completely walk away from God. It breaks my heart to watch it happen. I can only imagine how it must break the heart of God even more. 

I've also watched some dear Christians walk away from clear, Bible truths in exchange for an easy, modern Christianity that implies there is no cost to follow God. No affliction. No persecution.  

I remember observing this many years ago, and it caused me to think deeply about what it means to truly follow God. 

Galatians 5:1 says: 

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

This verse talks about things like liberty and freedom, specifically, freedom in Christ.  

The writer of this verse also mentions about not being entangled again with the yoke of bondage. What is a yoke of bondage? 

A yoke of bondage sounds like something heavy to me. It sounds like being a slave to something. Bondage also suggests that freedom has been taken away.  

This verse could mean a couple different things. It could mean something man-made, something that God doesn't ask or require. It could also mean going back into the bondage of sin. That is such a sad thought! 

An American soldier knows, very well, that freedom is something that isn't free. Freedom is something that has to be fought for. 

Likewise, those in God's Kingdom understand that freedom, freedom in Christ, isn't free. 

It cost the Lord Jesus His precious blood to set us free from sin. His blood atones for those who will repent of their sin. 

Choosing to walk with God in freedom from sin is something that also has to be fought for. That is a decision we make every day.  

When we choose to repent of sin and walk with God, His blood atones for us, and only then do we experience true freedom!