“It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.” Gal 5:13-26 (MSG)

The progression of freedom can lead to two conclusions—either to greater degrees of freedom or to a freedom that leads to bondage. When one becomes encumbered in expressing liberties independent of the Liberator, his actions will eventually inhibit his freedom of expression. “He who the Son sets free is free indeed.” The opposite is also true, as he who seeks freedom outside of the will of God will be ensnared with unexpected entanglements. The saga continues to repeat itself from history to this present time. Adam and Eve chose to yield to the temptation by eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The eventual consequences of their choice led to the discovery of their nakedness. The end result of their liberation was not only nakedness alone, but also self-consciousness and the fear of being exposed without a covering. True liberation demands taking a leap of faith into the unknown. It is freedom from the familiar into a new experience and a new life. It is required of those who seek after freedom to have a goal and a vision for a bright and glorious future. The question is, who will be there to catch you when you take the leap of faith? The children of Israel were set free, but ended up wandering in the wilderness. What would have been a short journey required forty years of uncertainty. “Without a vision, the people cast off all restraints.” 

Additionally, pursuing freedom for freedom’s sake is a misnomer. Israel was being set free to worship God in the wilderness. They were to turn the wilderness into a sanctuary, and God proved Himself by providing for them while they were there. Yet, much more would have been provided if they had understood their reason for being in an unfamiliar place. The freedom to worship God sharpens one’s perception of reality. It postures the worshipper to receive the revelation and insight to navigate through life and to lead the way for others. When we are free indeed, we are free to love others. And as result of loving others, we are free to serve them. A difference is made through those who are truly free. Only the Son of God can make you free by releasing you from the bondage of self, Satan, and all other entities that offer pseudo-freedoms but cannot deliver on their false promises.