As part of his testimony, a friend of mine says that prior to being saved he was talking to a friend of his who was a Christian serving time in a state prison for crimes committed prior to giving His life to Christ. My friend says, “This guy was in jail and free while I was outside and in bondage.”

My friend’s testimony teaches me that our physical reality often has little to do with our freedom, and it reminds me of Paul’s testimony from prison on multiple occasions.

As I reflect on my own life, I can recall many times of chains. Probably the time I longed the most for freedom was in my battle with chronic depression. At my lowest, the hope of freedom literally kept me alive. As I now live free of those chains, I find myself ever thankful that depression no longer defines me.

Many people still live in spiritual chains. They don’t know freedom, and many don’t even believe freedom is possible.

As Christians, we exist as living testimonies of the freedom Christ bought for us with His blood. Our response can only be sharing that path to freedom with others by living lives exemplifying that freedom.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.” (John 8:36) 

“So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful kindness rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:21)

“So Christ really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”
(Galatians 5:1)