Am I truly living in freedom?

In 1620, when the English Puritans arrived at Plymouth Harbor in Massachusetts seeking religious freedom, a monument was erected. Upon it stands the statue of a goddess named Faith. At her feet are inscribed four words: Liberty, Law, Morality, and Education. The meaning is clear—only when these four stand together can true faith be established.

We live in America, often called “the greatest land of freedom on earth.” Yet even here we see another kind of dark freedom—license. Drugs, alcoholism, murder, racism… Freedom can wear the face of peace, but when consumed by greed it takes on the face of tyranny. Tyranny bears no responsibility, only human desolation. True freedom, however, creates peace when responsibility is shared.

Scripture tells us that true freedom is to bear the yoke of Christ together: “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” From birth, humans carry the yoke of desire and selfishness. These become dictators of the soul, binding us. Augustine once said: “Man cannot rest until he rests in God.”

Jesus came not as a tyrant, but as the Lord of humility, peace, and love. He calls us friends and invites us into a humble relationship.

1. When we become humble, the soul is cleansed.
2. When the soul is cleansed, we can hear the Word.
3. When the Word is heard, we see the pain of our neighbor.
4. When pain is seen, we begin to share.
5. When we share, we gladly take on the responsibility of love. Humility ultimately leads us into the mystery of deep union with God—spiritual marriage.

There is a story of a seminary student. For three hours he chased a bird that had flown into the church. Exhausted, the bird fell from the ceiling. The student gently gathered the wounded creature in his hands and carried it to the window. Opening his palms, the bird rose into the sky. Later, as a pastor, he confessed in moments of trial:

“When I was dying, God held me in His hands, wrapped my wounds, and drew me close to His heart. He made me whole, set me free, and released me to fly again.”

We all find true joy and freedom only when we are held in God’s hands.

This Christmas, perhaps we should ask ourselves: “Am I living true freedom in faith?”

© Tae‑Hun Yoon, 1993