By Pastor David Soto
What does freedom sound like to you? For many, it sounds like independence, rights, or the liberty to do whatever we want. But true spiritual freedom—the kind won for us on the cross—sounds entirely different. It sounds like a call to action.
As Galatians 5:1 reminds us:
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
Jesus didn’t untie our chains just so we could sit still; He set us free so we could move forward. When we truly understand the truth of the Gospel, it breaks the power of sin and ushers us into a life of purpose. As John 8:32 promises, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
So, what are we meant to do with this liberty? The answer is found in a paradox: True freedom is found in the freedom to serve.
Here are three ways we are called to live out our God-given freedom:
1. A Freedom to Serve God
Our first and highest calling is to direct our freedom back toward the One who gave it to us. Serving God isn’t a burden born out of guilt; it is a joyful response to His goodness. When we look back at what He has done for us, our hearts should naturally overflow with gratitude and devotion.
“Be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”
— 1 Samuel 12:24
Every single day, we are faced with a choice about who or what will command our attention, our time, and our worship. True freedom allows us to draw a line in the sand and make the same declaration Joshua made thousands of years ago: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15).
2. A Freedom to Serve Others
Spiritual freedom is never meant to be selfish. It is not an excuse to indulge our own desires, but rather an open door to love the people around us.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
— Galatians 5:13
God has uniquely wired each of us with a specific mix of talents, passions, and spiritual gifts. According to 1 Peter 4:10-11, those gifts aren’t for us to hoard—they are tools to bless the body of Christ. Whether you have the gift of speaking, encouraging, or helping behind the scenes, you are called to do it with the strength and energy God supplies. When we use our freedom to lift others up, God gets the glory.
3. A Freedom to Serve The World
Finally, our freedom is meant to carry a sound that echoes far beyond the walls of the church. We have been liberated so that we can go out and point a captive world toward the Chain-Breaker.
Jesus calls us to be a beacon of hope in dark places: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 15:6).
We are a sent people. Our freedom gives us the boldness to step out of our comfort zones and fulfill the Great Commission—to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them (Matthew 28:19-20). As Jesus said in John 20:21, “As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.”
Live It Out
True freedom is found when we align our lives with God’s divine order: God first, others second, and the world next. When we live this way, the sound of our freedom becomes undeniable to everyone around us. How will you use your freedom this week?
Talk It Over
Use these questions for personal reflection, family dinner conversations, or small group discussions.
- Am I serving God wholeheartedly? Reflect on 1 Samuel 12:24. What “great things” has God done for you recently that can fuel your gratitude and service to Him?
- Am I serving others intentionally? Looking at your unique spiritual gifts and talents, how can you practically use them this week to help someone in your church or family?
- Am I serving my community faithfully? In what ways can you let your light shine in your workplace, neighborhood, or city so that others see your good works and glorify God?