Dr. Rick Mandl - December 3, 2020
Are You Free?
Devotional Manuscript: Are You Free?
Message By Dr Rick Mandl, December 3, 2020
Recorded in Los Angeles, CA.
Hey church family, I want to talk to you for a moment today about FREEDOM. I wonder if any of you have heard the name “Lindsey Stone?” If you haven’t let me tell you a little bit about her. Lindsey lives in Plymouth Mass and was working for a non-profit organization there when she was on a work-paid trip to Arlington National Cemetery, and while there she visited the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Next to that tomb is a sign that read a sign that reads “Silence and Respect,” Lindsey thought it would be kinda funny to pose next to that sign while making a crude gesture and pretending to yell. She then posted the picture to her Facebook page. Her post went viral and the result was a national controversy. And as part of the fall-out from that Lindsey was fired from her job.
Now, some have sought to make Lindsey Stone a martyr. They argue she should have the freedom to say whatever she pleases. She should have the freedom to Act any way that she wants. And she should have the freedom to post whatever picture she chooses to her social media account. An ABC News outlet said this case “Raises free speech questions.” However, I think the headline on another news story summed up the situation even better: It said, “The First Amendment won’t save you from your own bad judgment.”
While I understand and sympathize with those who are concerned about our basic freedoms being eroded, there is another freedom we should focus on. It is a freedom more important that freedom of speech. Or political freedom. Or economic freedom. . . It is the freedom Jesus promised.
In John 8:32 (NLT) Jesus said, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus’ Jewish hearers pushed back against that claim and they replied, “We are descendants of Abraham,” . . . “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” (John 8:33). Jesus answered them and said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin” (John 8:34). And then he followed that up by telling them again, “If the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (v. 36).
Through that response Jesus is reminding us that true freedom is not political, or social or financial. True Freedom is spiritual. It’s possible to rise up and throw off the shackles of a tyrannical dictator, but still be shackled to sin - - still be in the clutches of that spiritual tyrant, the devil. How many people who live in America, find themselves addicted to some habit that is robbing them of their mental, emotional and physical strength? How many people who champion the cause of political freedom, find they are slaves of their own private lusts? How many are in bondage to guilt? Or to shame? Or to feelings of insecurity? Or Inadequacy? Or Worthlessness? Or Resentment? Or Anger? Or an illicit relationship they wish they could end?
True freedom is release from sin’s shackles. Jesus promises us that when the Son makes us free we can shake loose from the bondage of sin’s curse. True freedom also produces responsibility. Responsibility to God. Responsibility to other believers. Responsibility to family members. Responsibility to fellow citizens. Liberty does not give me license to say what I want. Or to act in a manner that is offensive, or hurtful to others. This is true both spiritually and constitutionally - - -
The late Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes has been often quoted as saying that freedom of speech doesn’t give you the right to “Falsely shout fire in a crowded theater.” True freedom produces peace by God’s saving grace. When we accept God’s undeserved grace we receive with it “the peace that surpasses understanding.” Peace, however, is not the absence of pain, problems or pressures of daily living. Peace is the assurance that Jesus is there with us, for us, and in us.
I want to challenge you to remember Jesus’ words - “If the Son makes you free you shall be free indeed.” In those words He is reminding us that living a liberating life is all about our relationship with Jesus. I pray that we would know both the peace and the freedom that Jesus offer us. Amen.
Recorded in Los Angeles, CA.
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