MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

During my lifetime, a number of words have been used to describe what people are searching for in religion: truth - love - beauty - grace. And now, this year, as our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the term freedom is everywhere. We recently visited a church while on vacation, and nearly every worship song focused on the freedom we have in Christ. It struck me that two freedoms, national and spiritual, are connected in important ways. However, after teaching US history for 33 years, my conclusion is that true freedom comes only through dependence on God.

For an article published last July in this newspaper, I wrote about at least four references in our Declaration to our founders’ reliance on God. The Declaration begins by appealing to “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God”. The preamble continues that we are endowed by our “...Creator with certain unalienable Rights”. Still in the preamble, they appeal to “...the Supreme Judge of the world...”. And then it concludes, “...with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence...”. Though the founding fathers were willing to fight for independence, they knew the Source of that freedom.

In John 8:32, Jesus taught, “‘You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’”. Pilate asked, “‘What is truth?’”  But Jesus had answered that question earlier, “‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life’” (John 14:6). Truth that sets us free is not a concept, not an idea. It is the Person, Jesus. Freedom is also not the absence of all restraint. Adherence to Jesus’ teachings protects us from being controlled by other forces.

Colonial and state governments were formed in our new nation; but immediately, problems arose of satisfying the desires of the many at the expense of those in the minority. James Madison and others realized the dangers of majority rule. Government was providing substantive guarantees, which go beyond the protection of civil, legal, and political rights, and in turn violating certain rights. In other words, the more benefits we seek from government, the more rights we sacrifice. Our current dependency on government, as we choose to accept more and more strings attached, leads to demands that are greater than those which brought the colonists to rebellion.

Complete freedom, in the way many imagine it, is not only dangerous, it is impossible. Freedom must be anchored in something greater than ourselves. Jesus said, “‘Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well’” (Matthew 6:33). True freedom comes through dependence on God.

Sometimes we see people who refer to various political leaders as if they were saviors. The authors of the Declaration of Independence did not look to Benjamin Franklin or George Washington or any worthy leader as a deliverer. Instead, they put their reliance on God, their Creator, Judge, and the Author of Divine Providence.

Any freedom we have comes from God. When Jesus sets us free, things which control us are powerless; we suddenly find we don’t need anything that once dominated us. When we discover and submit to what God wants for us, we find He wants only the best for us. Oswald Chambers wrote, “There is nothing easier than getting into a right relationship with God except when it is not God whom you want but only what He gives.”

Again, Jesus said, “‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’” (John 8:31-32). His words apply to political, personal, emotional, and spiritual issues. If we spend more time focusing on government, shopping, health, finances, popularity, entertainment, we cross the line from distraction into domination, and we are no longer free. The search for freedom depends on ‘what we depend on’. There’s freedom in simplicity, in trust, and in relationship with Christ.

The apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12). Joy and satisfaction in Christ provide a spiritual relationship, much more satisfying than the emotional reaction to getting what we want.

To summarize, freedom does not mean we can do or get whatever we desire. Freedom is following Jesus all the way to the Father. When we personally, intimately know Jesus as the truth that guides us, we will be free. Likewise, if there’s anything that comes between us and God, it will separate us from true freedom. Seeking God first, we will find Him. And in Him we’re free to enjoy the best things in life.

Anything we’re unwilling to give up will eventually displace genuine freedom. It will first distract, then dominate us. Security and freedom come hand in hand with God who created us and knows us best. If we want truth, love, grace, beauty, and freedom, all are available from God through Jesus. May He be the desire of our heart’s prayer, and the pursuit of our life.