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“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17, NIV).
Growing up, most kids can’t wait to turn 18 and move out. They want to gain freedom, true independence, and a later curfew. Call me a bit backward, but I was petrified of growing up. I didn’t want bills, an adult job, and the stress of “adulting.” Sadly, the more I thought I could control that, the worse my anxiety grew.
True freedom in Christ often feels likewise—upside down and inside out. Why? Because it doesn’t come from gaining control but giving it up. It doesn’t look like independence, but surrender.
The world’s definition of freedom is very countercultural to God’s definition. Culture defines freedom as autonomy, self-expression, and doing what one wants. If it feels good, then it must be right, the world says. But God defines freedom a little differently. In John 8:31-36, He even goes as far as to say that the freedom we should all be pursuing is one of abiding, obeying, depending, and laying ourselves down.
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:31-36, NIV).
The crazy thing about God’s definition of independence, in contrast to the world’s, is that it sounds like giving up. It sounds like meekness and throwing in the towel. But to be meek isn’t weak, it’s immense strength and power under control.
