Understanding Independence: Are You Spiritually Free?

The word independence is synonymous with freedom. Free from oppression, unhindered, unbound, and released from the demands of others. In other words, independence is a condition that brings relief.

The limited holding of the 75th independence celebration ceremony of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) due to the COVID-19 pandemic does not diminish the meaning of independence itself. We are grateful for the struggle of the heroes who sacrificed themselves for the nation and the state. We are grateful for the leaders who strive to build this country. Despite the many things that still need to be improved, we are a blessed nation. 

As an expression of gratitude, we need to give meaning to independence through positive and constructive things, not only materially, but also mentally and spiritually. Make sure you are also spiritually free. 

What are the meanings of being spiritually free that we need to know and apply?

The Truth That Sets Free

Even though we have become independent, we still experience a culture of corruption, social inequality, poverty, discrimination, and unequal access to jobs and education. A just and prosperous society has not yet been realized. Yet we must not give up. We still have opportunity and hope to advance Indonesia. 

God desires us, as good citizens, to contribute to the welfare of the nation and the state.

Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD for it, for in its welfare is your welfare. – Jeremiah 29:7

Besides praying for the nation, we are also told to “seek” it. This is not limited to those who sit in government institutions; everyone can make a positive contribution. It can be as simple as completing population administration documents, paying taxes faithfully, throwing garbage in its place, obeying traffic rules, not spreading hoax news, and so on. The more people do this, the greater the benefit our nation will feel. Let us begin with ourselves.

Besides celebrating Indonesia's independence, it is fitting for us to make sure that we are also spiritually free. Only a person who is free can make a positive contribution. 

As Christians, the spiritual freedom we have comes from God's word. This truth will guide, protect, and enable us to fight against all evil things.

“... and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32

What things determine our spiritual freedom? 

1. Free: From a Slave of Sin to a Slave of Righteousness

According to history, Indonesia experienced colonialism for approximately 350 years. During that time, struggles and wars took place in various regions, until at last the spirit of unity flared up through the Youth Pledge in 1928. Thirty-seven years later, we succeeded in gaining independence. Truly, it was a difficult and long journey.

After humanity fell into sin, the earth came under the devil's rule (1 John 5:19). The devil uses many ways to draw people away from God. People cannot freely worship God. The tendency of their hearts is always to sin and grieve God. This continued until finally Jesus came and gave us freedom through His sacrifice on the cross.

And through Him everyone who believes is freed from every sin, from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. – Acts 13:39

Unlike the heroes who fought to seize independence by sacrificing body and soul, we receive spiritual freedom free of charge. God Himself came and drew near to His people. When we receive and live in His truth, at that very moment we are free. We change ownership, from slaves of sin to slaves of righteousness.

You have been set free from sin and have become slaves of righteousness. – Romans 6:18

Becoming a slave of righteousness will lead us to salvation and eternal life.

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the end is eternal life. – Romans 6:22

2. Free: Released from the Claim of Death

During the colonial era, the lives of our forefathers were deeply distressing. They were surrounded by poverty, misery, ignorance, oppression, and the obligation to hand over tribute to the rulers. They carried out forced labor on empty stomachs, while the colonizers lived in pleasure and enjoyed the abundance of our land.

Spiritually, this condition is no different from someone still enslaved to sin. As if never knowing the word enough, such a person lives trapped from one sin to another. Every time he wants to resist, he feels powerless. His heart is miserable and far from peace. He is only waiting for the time when death and destruction come to take him away. 

Thanks be to God, by His mercy, we have been fully bought! The devil's claim has been erased, and he can no longer accuse us. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to resist all the devil's schemes.

For you were bought, and the price was fully paid: Therefore glorify God with your body! – 1 Corinthians 6:20   

Now our bodies are the Temple of God. Our hearts are full of peace because we have moved from the grip of death into eternal life.

I tell you the truth: whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and does not come into judgment, but has crossed over from death into life. – John 5:24

The world may boast in all its bonds, the desires of the flesh and the pleasures of life that cause people to slip into sin and death. Yet those who have been set free can see through a different lens. They know that they are slaves of righteousness, and the claim of death no longer has power over them. 

Just as this nation strives to fill its independence with development, we too must strive to fill our spiritual freedom by doing God's righteousness.  Be a person who is free and ready to serve for God and country. 

Long live my Indonesia!

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Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official:

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