Liberty is not license.
2 Peter 2:19 – They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption.
Freedom defined as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. So are you free? You probably tell yourself that you are; after all, you live in a country where you can vote, where you can go wherever you want to when you want to, do anything you might want to do and at a time when you want to do it or say what you want whenever you want to and to whomever you choose. Are you sure? Do you ever give in to that second cup of coffee? Does anxiety ever grip you? Or, ridiculously, do you ever just run a red light because you don’t feel like putting your foot on the brake pedal? Rules govern everything and everyone. Traffic laws, tax laws, copyright laws, laws of gravity, God’s laws regarding holiness.
The Bible has much to say about freedom. God’s freedom means a release from the bondage of one’s sins, not the freedom to engage in them. Liberty is not license! The whole of chapter 2 of 2 Peter deals with the things that hold you in bondage, and your freedom from them, giving a clear warning against people who promise a false freedom.
Christians are called to obey God’s laws. It isn’t about legalism, it’s about loving obedience. Anyone guilty of violating the laws of God deserves eternal damnation; and every human being is guilty. But Jesus redeemed you from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for you (Galatians 5:13). That is real freedom.
Meanwhile, you must honor the freedoms you have been granted in America—freedoms endowed by your Creator, not to be tampered with by government. The Bill of Rights doesn’t grant you freedoms; it says the government cannot take them away! This year, every citizen is free to vote. It is a freedom not to be taken for granted; and it is a freedom envied around the world. Don’t squander it. Don’t fall for “picking the lesser of two evils is still evil.” That will only result in surrendering your freedom.
Pray With Us
Heavenly Father, You are the Author of freedom; but you are also the Author of laws and orderliness. Thank You for the freedoms that have been granted to us through Your Son Jesus. Thank You for the freedoms that obedience to Your laws gives. Keep me mindful of the cost paid by Your Dear Son, Jesus, to secure my eternal freedom. I bless Your Holy Name,
Amen.
