It's interesting how freedom and obedience is so closely related in Stott's entry on "True Freedom". It seems that obedience to God is synonymous to freedom. We often think that to be obedient to a person or a set of rules puts you under submission to him/her or it. It contradicts the idea of freedom but I think when we change our perspective to see God's law not just as a set of rules but as truths to live by, it is easier to see how obeying God's law gives us true freedom and rest.
I think that whether we realize it or not, we are bound by certain laws and rules that overshadow all parts of our lives. The laws of gravity is one example. You may not choose to abide by it and jump off a cliff but there will be a consequence. Even if you decide to to create a device that can help you defy gravity, that law still stands. It does not mean you are imprisoned by it, you can live with it, build your life around it.
God created this world and all the things it holds according to His own ways/laws/rules-whatever you want to call it. As the Master builder, He knows best how we can best live.
Unfortunately, humanity is marred by disobedience to God and we are still living with the consequences. We are bound by the laws of sin. Yet, in His love and mercy, God has made a way for us to defy sin's reign over us. Jesus calls us to take His yoke, and He promises us that He will give rest for our souls. Isaiah 57:20 says that we are like the tossing sea, casting up mire and mud. Without Christ, we are restless like the tossing sea, and there is so much "mire and mud" we cast up from our sinful hearts. Who can break the laws of the sea and make it stop tossing? Is it not Jesus Christ? Who can break the laws of sin and give rest to our souls? Again, the answer is Christ- if only you would choose to heed His call.
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Hey Lynn what a great blog reflection! You're absolutely right in connecting true freedom with obedience to God. People have the wrong idea that freedom is a mirage unless you can disobey God. If that is the case, I suppose none of us will be truly free in heaven... and heaven is suppose to be a place of true freedom.
Freedom is the ability to do what we were created to do, which was to obey God. This freedom was lost in the Fall of Man. Now in Christ, we are set free from sin or are being set free day by day as we trust in the sanctifying work of the HOly Spriit. Anyone
'Christian' who gives the impression that being a Christian makes you lose your freedom should examine whether they have truly been set from from the bondage of sin by Christ.
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