Every August 17th, we commemorate the anniversary of the independence of our beloved Republic of Indonesia. We must give thanks that while many nations are still struggling and fighting to free themselves from foreign occupation, the LORD has bestowed full independence and sovereignty upon the Indonesian nation. As Indonesian citizens, we are indeed free from the shackles of foreign domination. However, as believers, there is another dimension of freedom that is also very important: freedom in Christ.
The Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:13 loudly reminds us: "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Spiritual freedom in Christ means that we have been set free from the curse of sin, which is death, and we are set free to serve one another in love. But it is a great pity that many believers today have not truly experienced spiritual freedom. Even though they have long been followers of Christ, their lives are still bound by sin or still dominated by hatred, resentment, bitterness, and envy.
As recipients of such glorious grace of salvation, we have a responsibility not to use spiritual freedom as an opportunity for a sinful life; instead, we must fill this life by doing what is pleasing to the LORD. Our lives must bear fruits of repentance that can be a testimony and bring many souls to accept the Lord Jesus as Savior. True spiritual freedom always produces outward impact, not just inward within ourselves.
We must realize that freedom in Christ also brings a responsibility to serve others in love. For the Lord Jesus Himself set an example that He came into the world not to be served but to serve. Service that glorifies the name of the LORD and can be a blessing to others must always be motivated by the love of Christ. In service, there are many differences and many challenges, but all of it will be beautiful if our service is motivated by the love of Christ.
Freedom in Christ and the responsibility we have are like two sides of a coin that cannot be separated. The freedom inherent in believers cannot be separated from the responsibility to maintain holiness in their lives and to serve others. This is very important because one day, we will all have to account for what we have done in our lives before the LORD. Galatians 5:1: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."
Happy celebration of true freedom. Christ has set you and me free, so live as truly free people! God bless you.