It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. ~ Galatians 5:1

In the final scene from the movie Braveheart, we see Sir William Wallace ultimately sacrifice his life for the struggle to free Scotland from English rule at the end of the 13th Century. Wallace’s place as a hero in Scottish history is assured. There can be little doubt that he has always been revered as a self-effacing and passionate patriot by later generations of Scots. Unlike the conniving Scottish nobles who had collaborated with the English in return for financial benefits, Wallace had never sought personal fame nor benefited from it. He had accrued neither wealth nor land. He represented the spirit of the common man striving for freedom against oppression. Braveheart continues to be my all-time number one favorite movie. (just ask my dear wife) I love the movie for a couple reasons; number one being that it is based on a real character and his life experiences; number two being for what Sir William Wallace lived and ultimately died for, his quest and belief that all men should live free.

When Jesus Christ came to the earth, he also ultimately gave his life for the redemption and freedom of mankind. This is what Jesus came to achieve in the world. He took upon Himself the sins of the world…and answered with LOVE…and He broke the chains that were holding mankind a slave to sin and bondage. Psalm 116:16 reads, “O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains.” Jesus broke the chains of death, sin, bondage, addiction, habits, curses, and everything else that keeps individuals from experiencing the life Jesus came and lived and ultimately died to give us. Jesus told his followers in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This abundant life which Jesus is speaking about is filled with peace, joy, love, contentment, and so much more. Jesus desires so much that we live this abundant life that He willingly chose to sacrifice His life to purchase it for us that we might walk in it and live it.

Although the movie Braveheart was based on a real character and the events which tells of the life of Sir William Wallace, his heroic life’s events although sacrificed for the freedom of Scotland and its people, cannot compare to the ultimate gift of eternal life Jesus purchased for all mankind. My friend, if you’re not experiencing this kind of life which Jesus purchased to give you right now, I ask you to consider dropping that “ball and chain”, “shackles” or any other bondage or addiction which has ensnared you for so long and begin walking in the freedom and liberty that Christ through his death on the cross has purchased for you. You must also know that while you are powerless over your sin, God is ready, willing, and able to give you His power to conquer your bondage’s and addictions. Jesus said in John 8:32, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” We also read in John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Why not begin to walk in this truth today friend and start experiencing this abundant life which comes through “walking in freedom” through faith in Christ.

“Father, I thank you for the freedom that you have provided and given me through faith in Christ Jesus. I thank you for the truth and reality that the chains of sin, bondage, and addictions have been broken in my life and that you have given me victory over them all through Jesus’ name. Please help me to walk in this reality and give me the strength daily to do your will in everything you have called me to do for your glory for its in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”