Freedom is a desirable right, one in which is paramount to an individual’s mental well-being. The Oxford Dictionary states that freedom is, “the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants. ” Freedom can however be jeopardised when a person is enslaved, meaning that “… individuals are owned by others, who control where they live and at what they work. ” Although abuse may affect one’s physical health, both spiritual and emotional freedom can be obtained when one chooses to follow the word spoken by the Lord.
Source 1 There is no such thing as true freedom on Earth as it will be destroyed and recreated in order for God’s followers to have freedom “… creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. ” As seen in source 1, Christians face many difficulties surrounding spiritual freedom. True freedom cannot be obtained here on Earth, sin has destroyed the land the Creator has made and soon the Earth will be restored so that His followers can live once again.
A choice is given to every human; they can choose freedom by following the Lord or follow the ways of Satan and live a life full of hate, bringing pain to all of those who surround them. The Bible defines the meaning of freedom as, knowing the truth: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. ” Physical and Spiritual freedom can be seen throughout many sections of the Bible, the Lord’s son Jesus was sent down to Earth and died a horrific death on a cross so that humans may have eternal life.
This shows his almighty love and compassion for us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” This is reiterated in John 8:32 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ” As humans we tend to focus on physical and personal freedom and believe these are the most prominent form of freedom in society. Through physical freedom an individual may have the right to vote, choose who they want to marry and live where they choose.
This form of freedom is absolutely essential to the emotional well-being of an individual. Spiritual freedom can heal the pain when one physically restrained to an environment: by believing scripture and having a personal relationship with Jesus, freedom can be obtained. Spiritual freedom is vital as nobody can take it away from you, and even though you may be physically restricted, inside you can always obtain spiritual freedom. As humans we are enslaved to sin, which according to the Bible is separating yourself from God”…
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ‘ For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ” This above quotation is one of the many driving forces that shows us we are enslaved to sin, we are all sinners; however, if one puts their almighty trust in Him they will receive a freedom far better than any on Earth, and that gift is eternal life. With the utilization of media we can get to thoughts of servitude conditions amid the seventeenth and the eighteenth century.
Released in 2006, ‘Amazing Grace’ is a movie that reflects outlines the events that lead to the abolishment of the slave trade in 1865. William Wilberforce, a member in parliament, was the man behind the abolition; he was persistent, loyal and never gave up at any period of time. After having conversations with a religious mentor he decided to serve God in his public life and make a difference. Time after time his bill to abolish the slave trade was publicly humiliated in parliament, but he was persistent and never gave up, which ultimately changed the law, making it illegal to buy and sell slaves.
The concept of freedom has not changed throughout the ages in history; the freedom that was desired in the 17-18th century is the freedom that people yearn to earn today. Slavery has not become a thing of the past but is more evident and serious, as today 21 – 36 million men, women and children are enslaved generating approximately $150 billion per year. Slaves are treated the same, they have their rights stripped and are forced to work long enduring hours, they have no voice. Freedom is not just having the right to be physically free; instead it offers many different avenues.
Being immune to the horrors that many individuals face every day it’s hard to comprehend the fears and the pain many people face. It is hoped however, that one day freedom will eventuate into a right that is available to every individual no matter what age, race or gender. This can become a reality if we as a nation make a stand and eliminate the forces that prevent one from achieving freedom. Only through lending a willing hand will we be able to spread the word of spiritual freedom thus damning the pain and allowing an otherwise freedomless individual from suffering.