Freedom Isn’t Free

The other day my son and I discussed responsibilities and our commitment to others. I asked him what made being responsible so challenging for him. After much consideration and thought, he said he wanted “freedom.” I then asked him, “What does freedom mean for you?” “Freedom means being able to do whatever I want when I want. I don’t want people nagging me or on me all the time.” Afterward, I pondered his response and replied with a familiar expression, “freedom isn’t free.”

A song by veteran country singer John Anderson describes the price of freedom well:

I’m proud livin’ in the U.S.A.
Land of the free and home of the brave
It might not be perfect but I’ll take it any day
But how long will the eagle fly
And how many mothers have to cry

‘Cause so many sons and daughters died
It’s always been that way

‘Cause freedom isn’t free, it never was and never will be
What I’m tryin’ to say there’s always been a price to pay
Freedom isn’t free it’s been passed down to you and me
But how long will it be ’cause freedom isn’t free
I said freedom isn’t free

There’s some things goin’ on across this land
Some people like me don’t understand

Still we’re hopin’ and prayin’
That we’re gonna get things right
Where I come from there’s an unwritten law
You don’t back a man up against a wall
Everybody answer to the call
When it’s time to fight

‘Cause freedom isn’t free, it never was and never will be
What I’m tryin’ to say there’s always been a price to pay
Freedom isn’t free, no, it’s been passed down to you and me

In essence, these lyrics remind us that there’s always a price for freedom and that with freedom comes responsibility. There’s no better example of this than when Jesus died on the cross for us. He came to liberate us from the bondage of sin and death. However, with this freedom comes accountability. This accountability means God expects us to live in complete obedience to him, his word, and sacrificially for others. He paid the price so that we may live freely with him.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

Romans 6:6-8
We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. ⁷ For one who has died has been set free from sin. ⁸ Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.

Pray:

Pray for courage to be obedient to what God calls you to do.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you? Then, determine what you will do with what you’ve learned.

Share / Show:

Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.