On June 12, 1898, the Philippines experienced freedom from Spanish rule, albeit the cost was significant due to the bloody war. For over 400 years, the Philippines suffered oppression and tyranny at the hands of abusive and corrupt leaders. Years have passed since this proclamation of freedom, but the freedom we are experiencing right now is not exactly what we sought at that time.
What is freedom? Freedom is a state where we are free from the enemy’s clutches. Freedom is the absence of sin and the power to always choose what is right, which emanated from the death of our Lord Jesus Christ when he redeemed us from the slavery of sin and its consequences. According to Osho, “True freedom is always spiritual. It has something to do with your innermost being, which cannot be chained, handcuffed, or put into jail.” We cannot experience absolute freedom if we are a slave to sin. A robust spiritual life will free us from any form of bondage and worldly living. We must understand that slavery begins with sin – lies, pride, jealousy, greed, sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, discord, rage, selfish ambition, and so on. Harboring even one of these will make us prisoners of life in distress, anxiety, fear, bitterness, discontentment, corruption, lack, or decay unto death. Moreover, if we are a slave to sin, often the people around us suffer the same.
With the absence of sin, we can live in freedom. Our Creator wants us to experience absolute freedom. “Freedom is the liberty to express all that God wants you to express.” We are free to choose to love our family, friends, and other people unconditionally. We are open to deciding to help those who are in need. We are open to deciding to be faithful and gentlepersons. We are free to share joy, kindness, and goodness. With patience, discipline, and self-control, we can choose to work with honesty and integrity.
We must also be reminded that the freedom we are experiencing today should be used to set others free. Freedom cannot be used to do foolish things and to abuse others. Instead, help those who cannot help themselves and those who think they can help themselves – set them free from ignorance, bitter roots, unforgiveness, wickedness, and lawlessness. Set them free by forgiving them, allowing them to be heard, and loving them as we love ourselves. Set them free, and we will be free. As a final reminder, let us be guided by what the apostle Peter said, “Live as free people, yet without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but live at all times as servants of God.”
𝑨𝑪𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝑷𝑳𝑨𝑵
1. Reflect on whether areas in our lives need to be set free. It may be in our finances, conduct, emotions, or relationships in the family or workplace. Examine the cause of why we are bound in this area. There are things that we should let go to experience absolute freedom. If it is a sin, the key is to ask forgiveness, repent, and turn from the old ways. Shut the gates of lies, deception, and destruction.
2. Resolve with ourselves that we will be channels of freedom. Be conscious of our actions towards ourselves and others. If an effort enslaves other people or makes them slaves to sin, then refrain from the said act. However, if it will set them free from anything that corrupts them, count it joy to help them be set free. After all, it is written that if we do not warn our brothers of their wicked ways, we will be accountable for their blood.
Values Restoration Officer: Mrs. Edel Quinn Casis
