A Word from Pastor Lisa: Freedom

“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” -- John 8:36

In between bursts of fireworks this week, we’ll hear about liberty and freedom as core American values. When we think about freedom in our country, we mean an independence of thought, an ability to make our own choices, to live and speak and worship how we wish. We believe this freedom is an inalienable right as citizens of this country.

Jesus also talked about freedom, but he mentioned it in a much different context. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells his disciples that if they follow him, they will know the truth. And the truth will set them free.

While the word “truth” can be tricky, especially when we talk about the Bible, I believe that Jesus is referring to the “truth” of his presence with us as God-made-flesh. When we know the truth of Jesus in our lives, we are set free from painful pasts, poor choices, and the brokenness of humanity.

But freedom in Christ isn’t simply an inalienable right to exercise choice. Freedom in Christ actually binds us together in one body. Freedom in Christ bids us to care about our brothers and sisters who are not yet free. Freedom in Christ reminds us of the responsibility we have as citizens of the world’s superpower.

In other words, I can’t be truly free in Christ until children at the border are reunited with their families. First Methodist can’t be truly free in Christ until we end poverty and the affordable housing crisis in Bloomington. United Methodists can’t be truly free in Christ until we afford our LGTBQIA+ siblings the same rights as straight, cisgender members. Americans can’t be truly free in Christ until we end white supremacy, share our resources, ensure global access to COVID-19 vaccines, care for the environment, and dwell in peace together.

Perhaps this weekend, the Spirit will move us to remember the places and people in the world still longing to be free indeed. May our prayers, our generosity, and our service burst into their lives, as brightly and beautifully as the fireworks display.