Freedom (Unreliable Idols Pt. 3)

By Ife J. Ibitayo

This the third article in a series on unreliable idols. For Part 1 on Fame, click here. For Part 2 on Fortune, click here.

Freedom is the bedrock of the United States. From the Declaration of Independence to the Bill of Rights to the Emancipation Proclamation, citizens of the United States have experienced tremendous freedoms, both collective and individual.

As an American nomad, I’ve especially grown accustomed to the free life. I bed down in a location for a few years, accomplish what I’ve come to do, and move on to the next. In the past ten years, I’ve moved five times, and I’ve maintained my freedom: I have no girl back home, no children to return to, no strings attached.

Idol of Freedom

According to dictionary.com, freedom is “exemption from external control”, the ability to do what you want to do when you want to do it. Freedom is a blessing, one that many stuck-at-home mothers are understandably craving right now. But the moment freedom becomes tantamount, it become an idol.

When your own personal freedoms become more important than anyone else’s (eg watching what you want on TV even when it’s inappropriate for your children, eating what you want even when your spouse is concerned about your weight, or working when you want even if it’s inconvenient for your coworkers), you have made your personal good your god and become a slave to your desires.

True Freedom

Living a life dedicated to yourself ultimately leads to death. It will poison your friendships, your marriage, and, ironically, your personal well-being. But living for others leads to life in these same areas (Romans 6:20-22).

I wasn’t completely truthful when I said I have no strings attached. I have family I visit, friends I call, and a community I serve. These connections do drain my resources and restrict the way I live my life, but they give so much more than they take. I would be adrift without them.

Conclusion

A morning spent sleeping in, an afternoon wasted lazing around the house, or an evening devoted to a good movie is not innately sinful. A disproportionate amount of people today are genuinely in need of these things. But we must also remember to play with our children, romance our spouses, and love our neighbors.

Galatians 5:13 says, “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Freedom is found in service to others specifically because it frees us from the “tyranny of me”. Selflessness expands our circle of care beyond ourselves and provides us the joy and satisfaction we are truly looking for.

“Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, ‘You are truly My disciples if you remain faithful to My teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

(John 8:31-32 NLT)