Freedom and Discipleship

One would not have to be an American citizen to know that the word “freedom” is one that is often used and highly regarded by the American people. If we turn our televisions to any of the number of news channels, we can watch the preservation and loss of freedom being debated and we can inevitably hear folks talk about the fight for freedom being waged throughout the world. No matter the party, politicians are careful to make it clear that they are for freedom. Freedom, as an ideal, is certainly something greatly cherished in America. If you happen to be a church-goer, you may notice that virtually every Sunday the topic of freedom is brought up in prayer at some point during the church service. We can usually hear a man thanking God for “This great nation,” “The freedoms we have” and that “We can worship without fear of persecution”.

We (Note: I am using “we” in a general way to refer to those who live in America) are sold (and genuinely believe) the lie that we must trust in our government to provide protection and security from “evil” folks out there who would ruthlessly slaughter us the first chance they got. (I would like to make it clear that I am aware that there are some in the world whose aim is to destroy America and am also sure that there are some who would kill me under certain circumstances, but that is beside the point and in no way justifies us acting contrary to the teachings and actions of Jesus). The point is that we blindly trust in our government to provide us this security and protection usually regardless of how it is done. We support their efforts to wage war on anyone who potentially poses a threat to our security. We sanction violence and killing as a means to an end. And on Sunday we thank God for bringing us victory on the battlefield so that we can go to our church building and “worship God” (or sing a few songs, grab a corner off a cracker, down about an ounce of juice and listen to a sermon, but that is another topic for another day) without the fear of harm.

But this mentality and these practices are contrary to the cross. First of all, Jesus never promised a life free from resistance. In fact, to his disciples he promised the exact opposite. Many times he demanded that would-be disciples count the cost before making the decision to follow him. He made it painfully clear (to some) that following him meant devotion to him, not your government or any other social institution or individual who demands your allegiance. He essentially said that following him meant that you were on a collision course with these principalities and powers. YOU WILL FACE RESISTANCE! One such example of this is found recorded by Matthew:

“Look, I'm sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as harmless as doves. Because people will hand you over to sanhedrins and flog you in their synagogues, beware of them. You will even be brought before governors and kings because of Me, to bear witness to them and to the nations…Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will even rise up against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of My name. But the one who endures to the end will be delivered. When they persecute you in one town, escape to another. For I assure you: You will not have covered the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. A disciple is not above his teacher, or a slave above his master. It is enough for a disciple to become like his teacher and a slave like his master. If they called the head of the house ' Beelzebul,' how much more the members of his household!” (Matthew 10:16-25)

Clearly Jesus did not promise persecution-free lives. In fact choosing to become one of his disciples means choosing to suffer with him, choosing to serve as he served, to love as he loved, choosing the way of the cross, not the way of the sword.

The message of the cross is not that we are free to live lives without resistance. This however does not mean that we do not have freedom. In fact, part of the great news of Jesus is that human beings are no longer enslaved to the principalities and powers. We have been set free! Jesus “disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly. He triumphed over them”, as Paul writes (Colossians 2:15).

Freedom is certainly something to be cherished, but let’s make one thing clear: We do not derive our freedom from government! Our freedom is a direct result of the work of Christ. My freedom is not dependent upon the technology, intelligence, and strength of the U.S. military forces, but upon the loving, sacrificial work of Jesus the Messiah!

“You ignorant fool! Do you know what would happen to you if that military wasn’t defending you?!”
I have no reason to fear any man or nation and thus no need for a military to “protect” me by invading these countries and killing anyone who could potentially harm me.

As disciples we must recognize where freedom comes from in order to impact the world in a positive way. Pray for peace instead of being thankful for the results of violence. Choose to love other people even those who do not love us, even at the risk of resistance, and rejoice for the opportunity to do so.