Freedom is not free

Christ has freed us so that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom (Galatians 5:1).

Freedom is not free.  I know you’ve heard that statement before, but it’s true.

America started out as a hodgepodge of European colonies.  Eventually, England became the dominant political power over American residents and commerce.  Our land was rich in natural resources and became a cash cow for businesses that were headquartered overseas.  Resentment grew over foreign rule, and when peaceful change proved impossible, Americans declared their independence from the King of England. 

The result was war.  England had the benefit of a better-equipped military, but Americans held the home field advantage.  The conflict dragged on for seven years and cost 25,000 American fighters their lives.  The struggle for freedom involved an expenditure of 150 million dollars, a war that today would cost over 3 ½ billion to finance.  And these numbers don’t take into account all the damage inflicted on cities and farmland.  America’s political freedom came at great cost, hardship, and sacrifice.

Freedom is not free.  That truth applies to your spiritual freedom as well. 

The Declaration of Independence speaks of inalienable rights and freedoms, but human beings are not naturally free.  We are born slaves—slaves to passion and impulsiveness, slaves to pride and greed, slaves to the fear of pain and death.  All people come into this world as slaves of sin, and Satan uses us to push forward his agenda. 

Thankfully, we have a freedom fighter who waged war against the forces of darkness and won—all by Himself.  God sent His Son to live with us and die for us.  The Christ of God took up the cause of freedom on our behalf.  Using righteousness as His shield and the truth as His weapon, Jesus took the fight to Satan and disarmed the enemy.  On the cross, our Lord suffered every fatal wound that evil could throw at Him.  He died, then burst out of the grave alive and victorious.  He freed us from the darkness that sin brings into our lives, but it cost Him terribly—Jesus suffered in ways we cannot begin to understand.  Freedom is not free, but Jesus paid that price for you.  Honor that sacrifice, because you can never repay it.