True freedom surpasses the levels of duality often experienced by those in search of it, but unfortunately, do not know can be attained. The subtle trap of the enemy is to keep his victims fully engaged in an endless struggle, only to take one step forward while being pushed two steps back. Similarly, the history of Black America has been a struggle from the bondage of slavery to the recognition and commemoration of Juneteenth into a national holiday. This momentous occasion commemorated the legal end to enslavement after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed to bring an end to slavery. This bill was signed against the backdrop of one of the most devastating pandemics in our nation, as international attention was given to racial profiling and police brutality that caused the death of George Floyd, Breanna Taylor, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, and so many others. The political divide and subsequent uprising brought the prejudices and hostilities residing within the hearts of politicians, prophets, and priests to the surface. Now The Church, being the conscience of the nation, stands at the precipice of all that is occurring both around her and even among her own congregants, must convey the message of freedom to the world.  

In his remarks about the concept of freedom, Henry Ford, the creator of the Model T and the assembly line process, once wrote that, “The ideal of freedom is an innovative notion that can be found at the heart of America. This ideal is embodied in the Declaration of Independence and protected in the Constitution. But freedom — especially for African Americans — has been elusive, fought for through social movements and struggle” (Henry Ford Archives of American Innovations)

The distinction between freedoms and true freedom must be brought into clear focus. While freedom from legal and cultural constraints are vitally important, the question remains, what will we do with what we have attained? Freedoms are granted for a larger purpose. God’s word to Moses as he stood before Pharoah was with a greater purpose to, “Let My people go that they might serve Me.” This implied the development of character among the former slaves, thus positioning them to offer an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. Without this objective becoming the driving point, it would be freedom merely for the cause of freedom. If the character of freedom is not fully realized, the freedoms attained would degenerate into deeper levels of bondage imposed upon each other who were former slaves. The mental and emotional pressures of the past would remain and erupt into counterproductive activities. The legacy of hopelessness would then be passed down from one generation to the other. However, serving God through authentic worship will give birth to a fresh vision for a people-group. Then, having the spiritual insight to see Jesus as He is will be accompanied with the insight to see through the pitfalls and snares of the enemy. If unchecked, the enemy could otherwise blind minds and cause people to either become so liberal and too accepting of vices or so restrictive and limited that there is no room for anything other than their familiarities. 

The author of the Book of John states that “And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:35-36)

 He does not just make us free, but He provides for us a freedom that lasts!