Understanding Freedom and Service in Simple Terms
When we talk about being a Christian, we often hear about freedom—freedom from guilt, freedom from the weight of rules, and freedom from the things that separate us from God. Thanks to God’s grace, believers are no longer trapped by the heavy demands of the law or God’s anger at our mistakes. It’s like being let out of a prison cell because someone else took our place and paid our debt. In the Bible, the story of Barabbas is an example: he walked free because Jesus took his punishment.
But once you’re free, there’s a big question: what should you do with that freedom? There are two main paths. One option is to take advantage of your freedom just for yourself—do whatever you want, no matter the cost to others. The other, better way is to choose to use your freedom to help others, even if it means carrying new responsibilities.
Christians believe that true freedom isn’t just about avoiding rules; it’s about using your freedom to serve. No one is forced to do good things—like feeding the hungry, sharing hope with those who feel lost, or praying for people in need. God doesn’t have an army of draftees; He wants volunteers. It’s up to each person to see the pain and struggles around them—the cries of hungry children, the confusion caused by bad ideas or false teachers, and the hardships faced by the church and the world—and decide, willingly, to do something about it.
Like a camel that kneels down to receive its load, the ideal Christian chooses to take on the burden of serving others, not because they have to, but because they want to. Christianity at its best is the religion of freedom, but it’s a freedom that inspires people to help, love, and sacrifice for others.
If people misunderstand this freedom and use it selfishly, not only will they lose the heart of Christianity, but even the freedom in society—what we call democracy—will be at risk. To keep our society free, each person must willingly take on responsibility. In the same way, to keep faith alive, believers must sometimes set aside their rights and comfort to carry a heavier load—a “burden” for others.
The best example of this is Jesus himself, who had all the freedom in the world, but chose to serve and sacrifice for others. The truest follower is someone who knows they’re free, but freely decides to help and serve. That’s the path Jesus walked, and those who follow it find real blessing.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 