WEBVTT 00:00:16.039 --> 00:00:18.960 Hey everyone, my name is Austin and welcome back 00:00:18.960 --> 00:00:21.219 to another episode of the Unfiltering Faith Podcast. 00:00:21.699 --> 00:00:23.440 If you're just tuning in for the first time, 00:00:23.579 --> 00:00:25.859 I'm so glad you're here. And if you've been here 00:00:25.859 --> 00:00:28.039 before, welcome back. Today we will answer the 00:00:28.039 --> 00:00:30.320 question, is life without God really free or 00:00:30.320 --> 00:00:33.299 is it just an illusion of freedom? So if you'd 00:00:33.299 --> 00:00:35.299 like to take notes, I encourage it. And while 00:00:35.299 --> 00:00:37.399 you're at it, have your Bibles out because we 00:00:37.399 --> 00:00:39.700 will be looking through several passages of scripture 00:00:39.700 --> 00:00:41.780 that will help us with our discussion today. 00:00:43.799 --> 00:00:46.460 When we think of freedom we often picture a life 00:00:46.460 --> 00:00:49.000 without restrictions the ability to do whatever 00:00:49.000 --> 00:00:52.079 we want whenever we want But is that real freedom 00:00:52.079 --> 00:00:55.060 or is that just another form of bondage? Today 00:00:55.060 --> 00:00:57.399 we'll dive into the theological perspective of 00:00:57.399 --> 00:01:00.340 freedom and why life without God is May not be 00:01:00.340 --> 00:01:03.039 as free as it seems the Bible presents a different 00:01:03.039 --> 00:01:06.200 definition of freedom than what society often 00:01:06.200 --> 00:01:10.840 promotes in John 8 32 Jesus says then you will 00:01:10.840 --> 00:01:12.760 know the truth and the truth will set you free 00:01:13.040 --> 00:01:16.659 But free from what? In verse 34, it continues, 00:01:19.319 --> 00:01:22.099 This is a radical idea. It suggests that when 00:01:22.099 --> 00:01:24.480 we live apart from God, we aren't truly free. 00:01:25.099 --> 00:01:27.560 We are enslaved to something else. Whether it's 00:01:27.560 --> 00:01:30.260 our desires, societal pressures, or personal 00:01:30.260 --> 00:01:33.099 ambitions, we become bound to what we think sets 00:01:33.099 --> 00:01:35.980 us free. Think about it this way. If someone 00:01:35.980 --> 00:01:38.780 is addicted to something, whether it be substances, 00:01:39.280 --> 00:01:42.859 power, approval, or material wealth, they often 00:01:42.859 --> 00:01:45.519 feel like they are in control at first. But over 00:01:45.519 --> 00:01:48.680 time, that thing begins to control them. They 00:01:48.680 --> 00:01:50.819 become enslaved to their passions and habits. 00:01:51.379 --> 00:01:54.299 What starts as a pursuit of personal freedom 00:01:54.299 --> 00:01:58.299 ends up becoming a prison. Now if I were to ask 00:01:58.299 --> 00:02:01.060 you, do you feel overwhelmed by choices? How 00:02:01.060 --> 00:02:03.340 many of you would raise your hand? I can't see 00:02:03.340 --> 00:02:07.420 you, but I can feel the collective nodding. We 00:02:07.420 --> 00:02:10.159 live in a time when choices are abundant. From 00:02:10.159 --> 00:02:12.199 what to wear in the morning to what streaming 00:02:12.199 --> 00:02:15.620 services to choose from, we are bombarded with 00:02:15.620 --> 00:02:18.180 decisions every single day. But here's the catch. 00:02:18.699 --> 00:02:20.960 More choices don't always lead to more correct 00:02:20.960 --> 00:02:24.219 answers. Think about that for a moment. Just 00:02:24.219 --> 00:02:26.620 because we're given more options doesn't equate 00:02:26.620 --> 00:02:29.439 to the number of correct answers. It's just, 00:02:29.599 --> 00:02:31.819 Lahetsan's our probability of getting something 00:02:31.819 --> 00:02:34.860 right. In fact, they can lead to something called 00:02:34.860 --> 00:02:37.979 decision fatigue. So, Lahetsan packed this concept 00:02:37.979 --> 00:02:41.729 together. In 2000, a study was conducted by psychologists. 00:02:42.150 --> 00:02:45.430 They set up a jam testing booth with two different 00:02:45.430 --> 00:02:48.530 setups, one with six varieties of jam and another 00:02:48.530 --> 00:02:51.210 with 24 varieties. Offering more jam choices 00:02:51.210 --> 00:02:54.189 would lead to more sales, right? Well, surprisingly, 00:02:54.490 --> 00:02:57.129 when they offered the smaller selection of six 00:02:57.129 --> 00:03:00.830 jams, the 30 % of the tasters went on to purchase 00:03:00.830 --> 00:03:04.349 a jar. However, when facing with a larger selection 00:03:04.349 --> 00:03:08.310 of 24, Only 3 % made a purchase. This is a classic 00:03:08.310 --> 00:03:12.569 example of choice overload, where sheer number 00:03:12.569 --> 00:03:16.610 of options can paralyze us instead of empowering 00:03:16.610 --> 00:03:19.849 us. But why does this happen? Let's delve into 00:03:19.849 --> 00:03:22.469 the psychology behind it. Choice overload can 00:03:22.469 --> 00:03:25.050 lead to a decision fatigue, a state of mental 00:03:25.050 --> 00:03:27.969 exhaustion resulting from making too many decisions. 00:03:28.370 --> 00:03:31.430 When faced with too many options, our brain starts 00:03:31.430 --> 00:03:34.159 to tire out. It becomes harder to weigh the pros 00:03:34.159 --> 00:03:36.680 and cons, and as a result, we can feel anxious 00:03:36.680 --> 00:03:39.919 or even regretful about our choices. Imagine 00:03:39.919 --> 00:03:42.460 standing in front of a wall of cereal boxes in 00:03:42.460 --> 00:03:45.219 your local grocery store. You've got organic, 00:03:45.479 --> 00:03:49.259 gluten -free, low sugar, high fiber, every conceivable 00:03:49.259 --> 00:03:52.199 option. The more choices you have, the more pressure 00:03:52.199 --> 00:03:54.800 you feel to make the right choice. It's exhausting. 00:03:55.419 --> 00:03:57.840 And it doesn't stop at groceries. Think about 00:03:57.840 --> 00:04:00.580 the last time you were trying to choose a movie 00:04:00.580 --> 00:04:03.189 to watch. You scroll through your streaming services 00:04:03.189 --> 00:04:06.030 and what happens? You spend more time scrolling 00:04:06.030 --> 00:04:09.770 through than actually watching. You might even 00:04:09.770 --> 00:04:12.509 give up altogether, feeling frustrated and opting 00:04:12.509 --> 00:04:14.669 to do something else instead. This phenomenon 00:04:14.669 --> 00:04:18.029 is not just limited to consumer choices. Research 00:04:18.029 --> 00:04:21.269 by psychologist Barry Schwartz, author of The 00:04:21.269 --> 00:04:24.189 Paradox of Choice, reveals that when we have 00:04:24.189 --> 00:04:26.649 too many options, we often experience higher 00:04:26.649 --> 00:04:29.790 dissatisfaction. Schwartz argues that the abundance 00:04:29.790 --> 00:04:33.089 of choice can make us less content with our decisions. 00:04:33.750 --> 00:04:36.949 He might illuminate on what we could have chosen 00:04:36.949 --> 00:04:39.769 instead, which can lead to regret or anxiety. 00:04:39.889 --> 00:04:42.290 So what can we do about it? How do we navigate 00:04:42.290 --> 00:04:44.949 this overwhelming sea of choices without sinking 00:04:44.949 --> 00:04:47.930 into decision fatigue? Well, let's explore some 00:04:47.930 --> 00:04:51.750 practical strategies. First and foremost, simplification 00:04:51.750 --> 00:04:55.430 is key. When faced with a decision, try to narrow 00:04:55.430 --> 00:04:58.670 down your options. For instance, limit yourself 00:04:58.670 --> 00:05:02.050 to just three choices. If you're picking a restaurant, 00:05:02.509 --> 00:05:05.829 this creates a manageable decision -making process 00:05:05.829 --> 00:05:08.410 and allows you to focus without being overwhelmed. 00:05:08.990 --> 00:05:12.000 Next. Consider the power of timelines. Heading 00:05:12.000 --> 00:05:15.639 a specific timeline to make a decision reduces 00:05:15.639 --> 00:05:19.060 the chances of overthinking. For example, give 00:05:19.060 --> 00:05:21.980 yourself 10 minutes to choose a movie or 15 minutes 00:05:21.980 --> 00:05:25.180 to decide what to wear. This can help you make 00:05:25.180 --> 00:05:28.040 choices more swiftly and confidently. Another 00:05:28.040 --> 00:05:31.199 valuable strategy is to prioritize your decisions. 00:05:31.839 --> 00:05:34.420 Not all choices carry the same weight. Focus 00:05:34.420 --> 00:05:36.839 your mental energy on the decisions that truly 00:05:36.839 --> 00:05:40.870 matter. Can career, relationships, or health 00:05:40.870 --> 00:05:43.329 matter? For smaller everyday decisions, allow 00:05:43.329 --> 00:05:45.589 yourself the freedom to choose quickly and move 00:05:45.589 --> 00:05:47.829 on. Let's not forget the importance of embracing 00:05:47.829 --> 00:05:50.470 your imperfection. Sometimes we get so caught 00:05:50.470 --> 00:05:52.730 up in making the perfect choice that we forget 00:05:52.730 --> 00:05:55.550 that every decision comes with its pros and cons. 00:05:56.110 --> 00:05:58.550 Remind yourself that it's okay to make mistakes 00:05:58.550 --> 00:06:01.850 and that no option is set in stone. The beauty 00:06:01.850 --> 00:06:04.189 of life is in the journey, not the destination. 00:06:05.209 --> 00:06:08.600 Lastly, practice mindfulness. When faced with 00:06:08.600 --> 00:06:10.779 a decision, take a moment to breathe and ground 00:06:10.779 --> 00:06:13.319 yourself. Ask yourself what truly matters to 00:06:13.319 --> 00:06:16.560 you in this situation. Often tuning into the 00:06:16.560 --> 00:06:20.879 values can help clarify your choices and alleviate 00:06:20.879 --> 00:06:23.240 the anxiety associated with decision making. 00:06:23.819 --> 00:06:26.300 As we reflect on the nature of choice, let's 00:06:26.300 --> 00:06:29.759 remember that having options is a luxury that 00:06:29.759 --> 00:06:32.879 many people worldwide don't have. However, it's 00:06:32.879 --> 00:06:35.370 crucial to strike a balance. Too many choices 00:06:35.370 --> 00:06:37.990 can create confusion and frustration, while fewer 00:06:37.990 --> 00:06:41.189 choices can lead to greater satisfaction and 00:06:41.189 --> 00:06:44.170 peace of mind. In today's world, freedom is often 00:06:44.170 --> 00:06:47.389 defined as personal independence, the ability 00:06:47.389 --> 00:06:50.290 to make rules and choose our own path. But without 00:06:50.290 --> 00:06:53.370 God as an anchor, morality becomes subjective. 00:06:54.009 --> 00:06:56.790 Right and wrong shifts, but based on personal 00:06:56.790 --> 00:06:59.689 preference and cultural trends, this kind of 00:06:59.689 --> 00:07:02.620 freedom leads to chaos. Think about it. If there's 00:07:02.620 --> 00:07:05.620 no higher mahoral authority, then who decides 00:07:05.620 --> 00:07:09.019 what's truly good or evil? Without God, we risk 00:07:09.019 --> 00:07:11.740 falling into moral relativism where everything 00:07:11.740 --> 00:07:15.480 is permissible and nothing is certain. The philosopher 00:07:15.480 --> 00:07:18.899 Jean -Paul Sartre, a key figure in existentialism, 00:07:19.459 --> 00:07:22.079 argues that life has no inherent meaning without 00:07:22.079 --> 00:07:24.560 God and people must create their own purpose. 00:07:25.060 --> 00:07:28.139 While this might sound liberating, it can also 00:07:28.139 --> 00:07:31.540 lead to despair. If meaning is self -created, 00:07:31.850 --> 00:07:34.649 then it can also be easily destroyed. Without 00:07:34.649 --> 00:07:39.129 an objective standard, morality and purpose become 00:07:39.129 --> 00:07:42.269 fragile, and people can feel lost and directionless. 00:07:42.829 --> 00:07:45.930 Consumer culture often presents itself as lehibrating, 00:07:46.209 --> 00:07:50.470 while paradoxically, it can entrap individuals 00:07:50.470 --> 00:07:53.029 in cycles of debt and consumption. The concept 00:07:53.029 --> 00:07:56.389 of secular freedom varies across cultures. It's 00:07:56.389 --> 00:08:00.250 often celebrated as a sign of modernity and progress. 00:08:00.459 --> 00:08:05.100 Many societies tout secularism as a pathway to 00:08:05.100 --> 00:08:08.759 liberation from oppressive traditions and dogmas. 00:08:09.079 --> 00:08:11.800 But is this narrative as clear -cut as it seems? 00:08:12.220 --> 00:08:15.139 Let's take a moment to reflect on how secularism 00:08:15.139 --> 00:08:18.639 is perceived in various cultures. In Western 00:08:18.639 --> 00:08:22.339 societies, secularism has often been equated 00:08:22.339 --> 00:08:26.319 with individualism. The idea is that when we 00:08:26.319 --> 00:08:29.680 have our ties with traditional religious structures, 00:08:29.839 --> 00:08:34.340 we gain personal independence, the freedom to 00:08:34.340 --> 00:08:37.200 think, believe, and live as we choose. This notion 00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:41.059 is inspiring and promising a life free from constraints. 00:08:41.159 --> 00:08:44.500 However, as we peel back the layers, we can see 00:08:44.500 --> 00:08:47.860 that this perceived freedom can quickly morph 00:08:47.860 --> 00:08:50.779 into a different kind of bondage. It's essential 00:08:50.779 --> 00:08:53.720 to ask ourselves, are we truly free when our 00:08:53.720 --> 00:08:56.659 decisions are driven by external influences, 00:08:57.220 --> 00:09:00.580 particularly in consumer culture? In many cultures, 00:09:01.240 --> 00:09:05.279 consumerism is heralded as liberation. Advertisements 00:09:05.279 --> 00:09:08.600 scream at us, buy this and you'll be happy, or 00:09:08.600 --> 00:09:11.340 own this and you'll be free, with her condition 00:09:11.340 --> 00:09:13.960 to believe that the hat are worth as tied to 00:09:13.960 --> 00:09:17.240 our possessions. This narrative suggests that 00:09:17.240 --> 00:09:20.240 the more we consume, the more freedom we gain, 00:09:20.580 --> 00:09:24.580 but the reality can be a stark contrast. Let's 00:09:24.580 --> 00:09:27.480 consider the cycle of debt. In cultures that 00:09:27.480 --> 00:09:31.120 glorify consumerism, The pressure to keep up 00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:34.019 with the lehades trends can lead individuals 00:09:34.019 --> 00:09:37.539 into financial traps. Many people accumulate 00:09:37.539 --> 00:09:40.500 debt as they strive to maintain an image of success 00:09:40.500 --> 00:09:44.159 and freedom. This cycle can be suffocating, lehading 00:09:44.159 --> 00:09:47.840 individuals. It's rooted in the very structure 00:09:47.840 --> 00:09:51.259 of our society. We're bombarded with messages 00:09:51.259 --> 00:09:54.360 that equate success with material wealth. In 00:09:54.360 --> 00:09:57.399 a sense, consumer culture can become a hotter 00:09:57.399 --> 00:10:01.690 form of social status. But while we chase after 00:10:01.690 --> 00:10:05.250 these shiny objects, we might unknowingly surrender 00:10:05.250 --> 00:10:08.409 our true freedom, our freedom to be ourselves 00:10:08.409 --> 00:10:10.990 without the weight of them from material expectations. 00:10:12.049 --> 00:10:14.929 Let's take a moment to reflect on the cultural 00:10:14.929 --> 00:10:18.049 variations of this experience. In some eastern 00:10:18.049 --> 00:10:20.870 cultures, for instance, the emphasis on community 00:10:20.870 --> 00:10:23.850 and collectivism can create a different dynamic. 00:10:24.330 --> 00:10:28.970 Here, the pressure may not come from the individualistic 00:10:28.970 --> 00:10:32.230 pursuit of consumer goods, but from societal 00:10:32.230 --> 00:10:35.570 expectations to conform to a certain lifestyle 00:10:35.570 --> 00:10:39.129 or role. While secularism in these societies 00:10:39.129 --> 00:10:42.070 may provide an escape from rigid traditions, 00:10:42.649 --> 00:10:45.230 the alternative can be just as constraining, 00:10:45.529 --> 00:10:48.389 the obligation to fit into a collective mold. 00:10:49.190 --> 00:10:52.610 The challenge remains the same. How do we navigate 00:10:52.610 --> 00:10:56.070 our desires for individual freedom without becoming 00:10:56.070 --> 00:10:59.889 ensnared into the cycles of societal expectations. 00:11:00.830 --> 00:11:04.009 And the true question arises, what does true 00:11:04.009 --> 00:11:07.149 freedom look like? Is it the ability to buy whatever 00:11:07.149 --> 00:11:10.049 we want, or the free freedom to live authentically? 00:11:10.529 --> 00:11:12.970 To understand this better, let's explore the 00:11:12.970 --> 00:11:15.889 voices of those who have sought liberation outside 00:11:15.889 --> 00:11:19.789 of consumerism. For many, the journey towards 00:11:19.789 --> 00:11:23.740 authentic freedom involves consciously redefining 00:11:23.740 --> 00:11:26.919 their relationship with consumption. Minimalism, 00:11:26.919 --> 00:11:30.159 for example, has emerged as a counter movement 00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:34.940 to hamper consumer culture. It encourages individuals 00:11:34.940 --> 00:11:38.299 to ignore the excess and focus on what truly 00:11:38.299 --> 00:11:41.419 matters. Imagine a life where you are not defined 00:11:41.419 --> 00:11:44.659 by your possessions, but by your experiences, 00:11:45.059 --> 00:11:47.840 relationships, and passions. This is the heart 00:11:47.840 --> 00:11:51.649 of the minimalist philosophy. the idea that less 00:11:51.649 --> 00:11:55.330 can indeed be more. We unlock a new kind of freedom, 00:11:55.769 --> 00:11:58.309 and when we shift our focus from accumulating 00:11:58.309 --> 00:12:02.029 things to cherishing moments. Now let's pivot 00:12:02.029 --> 00:12:05.210 to a more global perspective. Across the world, 00:12:05.450 --> 00:12:08.370 the various movements that challenge traditional 00:12:08.370 --> 00:12:11.929 notions of freedom tied to consumption are emerging. 00:12:12.409 --> 00:12:16.230 In many indigenous cultures, for example, the 00:12:16.230 --> 00:12:20.230 values of sustainability and community stand 00:12:20.230 --> 00:12:23.029 in stark contrast to the consumerist mindset. 00:12:23.889 --> 00:12:26.789 Their understanding of freedom is rooted in a 00:12:26.789 --> 00:12:29.870 deep connection to the land and their communities, 00:12:30.350 --> 00:12:32.850 emphasizing harmony over excess. These cultures 00:12:32.850 --> 00:12:36.370 remind us that freedom can manifest in many forms. 00:12:36.679 --> 00:12:39.860 It can be found in the simplicity of daily life, 00:12:40.240 --> 00:12:42.860 the bonds we forge with others, and the respect 00:12:42.860 --> 00:12:45.539 we hold for our environment. The challenge is 00:12:45.539 --> 00:12:49.000 not just to seek freedom, but to redefine what 00:12:49.000 --> 00:12:52.120 that freedom means in our lives. Paul writes, 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:56.320 and we're home in 616, you are enslaved to the 00:12:56.320 --> 00:12:59.659 one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin, 00:13:00.139 --> 00:13:02.740 which leads to death. or obedience which leads 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:05.399 to righteousness. It's easy to think that rejecting 00:13:05.399 --> 00:13:08.580 God means gaining independence, but in reality, 00:13:08.820 --> 00:13:11.960 we often become slaves to our own desires. Addiction, 00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:15.360 greed, lust, and selfish ambitions take control. 00:13:16.059 --> 00:13:18.639 How frequently do we see people chasing money, 00:13:18.759 --> 00:13:21.419 power, or pleasure, only to feel emptier than 00:13:21.419 --> 00:13:24.799 before? Even the greatest philosophers in history 00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:28.059 recognize that without God, life becomes meaningless. 00:13:29.000 --> 00:13:32.419 Sartre and existentialists believe people had 00:13:32.419 --> 00:13:35.059 to create meaning, but without a divine purpose, 00:13:35.399 --> 00:13:38.220 that meaning is fragile and subjective. Let's 00:13:38.220 --> 00:13:40.500 take a look at the ways society views success 00:13:40.500 --> 00:13:43.080 and happiness. We are constantly told that we 00:13:43.080 --> 00:13:47.600 need more. Money, more experiences, more relationships 00:13:47.600 --> 00:13:52.659 to be fulfilled. But even the wealthiest and 00:13:52.659 --> 00:13:56.000 most powerful people often feel empty. This is 00:13:56.000 --> 00:13:58.940 because true fulfillment doesn't come from external 00:13:58.940 --> 00:14:02.220 achievements, but rather a deeper spiritual connection 00:14:02.220 --> 00:14:06.100 with God. So if a life without God isn't truly 00:14:06.100 --> 00:14:10.299 free, what does real freedom look like? The paradox 00:14:10.299 --> 00:14:12.659 of Christianity is that true freedom is found 00:14:12.659 --> 00:14:15.919 in surrender, surrendering to God's will. Romans 00:14:15.919 --> 00:14:19.419 8 -2 tells us, through Christ Jesus, the law 00:14:19.419 --> 00:14:22.340 of the Spirit who gives life has set you free 00:14:22.340 --> 00:14:25.639 from the law of sin and debt. When we submit 00:14:25.639 --> 00:14:28.779 to God, we're no longer bound by sin. Instead, 00:14:28.940 --> 00:14:32.039 we live in alignment with divine truth, experiencing 00:14:32.039 --> 00:14:35.759 a deeper sense of peace and purpose. C .S. Lewis 00:14:35.759 --> 00:14:39.080 put it best, the more we let God take us over, 00:14:39.279 --> 00:14:42.639 the more truly ourselves we become. When we follow 00:14:42.639 --> 00:14:45.480 Christ, we don't lose our identity. We discover 00:14:45.480 --> 00:14:48.360 it. This may seem counterintuitive at first. 00:14:48.659 --> 00:14:51.690 How can surrender lead to freedom? Imagine a 00:14:51.690 --> 00:14:54.070 fish that wants to experience freedom by jumping 00:14:54.070 --> 00:14:57.009 out of the water. It may feel unrestricted for 00:14:57.009 --> 00:14:59.250 a brief moment, but outside of the water, it 00:14:59.250 --> 00:15:02.570 can't survive. Similarly, we were designed to 00:15:02.570 --> 00:15:05.190 live within the waters of God's truth. When we 00:15:05.190 --> 00:15:07.870 step outside of His design, we may think we are 00:15:07.870 --> 00:15:10.549 free, but we actually lose the very things that 00:15:10.549 --> 00:15:14.870 sustain us. The pursuit of freedom can seem elusive 00:15:14.870 --> 00:15:17.850 in a world that often feels overwhelming, filled 00:15:17.850 --> 00:15:20.820 with pressures and experience. Expectations. 00:15:21.059 --> 00:15:23.500 But what does it mean to find true freedom in 00:15:23.500 --> 00:15:26.840 Christ? How do we practically take steps towards 00:15:26.840 --> 00:15:28.840 that freedom? Many of us have heard the phrase, 00:15:29.220 --> 00:15:31.440 where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 00:15:31.980 --> 00:15:34.980 A powerful reminder that our true freedom is 00:15:34.980 --> 00:15:37.620 rooted in our relationship with God. But what 00:15:37.620 --> 00:15:41.120 does that look like in our everyday life? Imagine 00:15:41.120 --> 00:15:44.340 this. You're carrying a heavy backpack filled 00:15:44.340 --> 00:15:48.210 with rocks. each representing a burden, a fear, 00:15:48.549 --> 00:15:50.929 a regret, or a sin. The longer you have that 00:15:50.929 --> 00:15:53.470 backpack, the heavier it feels, and eventually 00:15:53.470 --> 00:15:57.029 it becomes unbearable. Now think about what it 00:15:57.029 --> 00:16:00.970 would feel like to set that backpack down. That's 00:16:00.970 --> 00:16:03.889 the essence of finding freedom in Christ. It's 00:16:03.889 --> 00:16:06.429 about letting go of the things that weigh us 00:16:06.429 --> 00:16:08.809 down, and embracing the lightness and joy of 00:16:08.809 --> 00:16:11.730 life dedicated to Him. Let's take a moment to 00:16:11.730 --> 00:16:15.009 reflect on that. Community is essential. It's 00:16:15.009 --> 00:16:18.029 not just about individual faith, it's about walking 00:16:18.029 --> 00:16:20.929 together with others. Scripture tells us in Hebrews 00:16:20.929 --> 00:16:24.950 10, 24, and 25, and let us consider how we may 00:16:24.950 --> 00:16:27.490 spur one another towards love and good deeds, 00:16:27.950 --> 00:16:30.710 not giving up and reheating together, as some 00:16:30.710 --> 00:16:33.570 are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one 00:16:33.570 --> 00:16:36.929 another. So if you're listening and feeling burdened, 00:16:37.090 --> 00:16:39.870 I encourage you to contact someone, share your 00:16:39.870 --> 00:16:42.759 struggles, your hopes and dreams. Find the community 00:16:42.759 --> 00:16:45.419 that can uplift you. Surrender is often overlooked 00:16:45.419 --> 00:16:48.139 in the pursuit of freedom. It's counterintuitive, 00:16:48.340 --> 00:16:51.039 isn't it? We think we need to take control to 00:16:51.039 --> 00:16:53.240 find freedom, but it's actually in giving up 00:16:53.240 --> 00:16:56.720 control that we find true liberation. Prayer 00:16:56.720 --> 00:17:00.519 and meditation are essential practices in our 00:17:00.519 --> 00:17:03.259 faith journey. Let's talk about that for a moment. 00:17:03.879 --> 00:17:07.099 How can listeners incorporate these spiritual 00:17:07.099 --> 00:17:09.619 disciplines into their daily lives to experience 00:17:09.619 --> 00:17:12.740 a deeper sense of freedom? Intentional prayer 00:17:12.740 --> 00:17:15.819 and meditation create a space for God to speak 00:17:15.819 --> 00:17:19.180 into our lives. They help us to align our will 00:17:19.180 --> 00:17:22.599 with His and remind us of our identity in Christ. 00:17:23.200 --> 00:17:25.500 It's powerful when we realize that our worth 00:17:25.500 --> 00:17:28.240 isn't defined by our struggles, but by who God 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:31.859 says we are. While preparing for this week's 00:17:31.859 --> 00:17:34.240 episode and reflecting on the type of message 00:17:34.240 --> 00:17:37.119 I wanted to share, I found that freedom can also 00:17:37.119 --> 00:17:40.390 be found through acts of service. Looking back 00:17:40.390 --> 00:17:44.150 on my time serving various food banks, it's incredible 00:17:44.150 --> 00:17:46.950 how serving others can shift our focus from our 00:17:46.950 --> 00:17:50.690 struggles to the needs of those around us. In 00:17:50.690 --> 00:17:55.289 Philippians 2, 3, and 4, we're reminded, do nothing 00:17:55.289 --> 00:17:58.549 out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, rather 00:17:58.549 --> 00:18:03.710 in humility. Value others above yourselves. Do 00:18:03.710 --> 00:18:06.930 not look to your interests, but each of you to 00:18:06.930 --> 00:18:10.539 the interests of the others. When we serve, we 00:18:10.539 --> 00:18:12.960 bless others and experience freedom from our 00:18:12.960 --> 00:18:16.279 burdens. It's a win -win. And remember, finding 00:18:16.279 --> 00:18:19.059 freedom in Christ is a journey, not a destination. 00:18:19.660 --> 00:18:21.839 It's filled with ups and downs, victories and 00:18:21.839 --> 00:18:24.859 challenges. But through it all, we have the assurance 00:18:24.859 --> 00:18:28.319 that God walks with us. I'd like to share a few 00:18:28.319 --> 00:18:31.000 practical tips for anyone looking to embark on 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:33.960 their journey towards freedom in Christ. Number 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:38.039 one, start with prayer. Stay ahead of time daily 00:18:38.039 --> 00:18:41.400 to pray. Talk to God about your burdens and ask 00:18:41.400 --> 00:18:46.259 for His guidance. 2. Find a mentor. Seek out 00:18:46.259 --> 00:18:48.700 someone who can walk alongside you in your journey. 00:18:49.319 --> 00:18:52.480 A mentor can provide wisdom, accountability, 00:18:52.740 --> 00:18:57.180 and support. 3. Engage in community. Join a small 00:18:57.180 --> 00:19:00.400 group or a church where you can share your experiences 00:19:00.400 --> 00:19:04.019 and grow together in faith. 4. Serve others. 00:19:04.500 --> 00:19:06.579 Look for opportunities to serve in your community. 00:19:06.759 --> 00:19:10.000 whether volunteering at a local shelter or helping 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:13.900 a neighbor. Serving can bring immense joy and 00:19:13.900 --> 00:19:17.660 freedom. Number five, read scripture. Immerse 00:19:17.660 --> 00:19:20.420 yourself in the word of God. It's through scripture 00:19:20.420 --> 00:19:23.440 that we understand our identity and freedom we 00:19:23.440 --> 00:19:25.700 have in Christ. So how do we apply this understanding 00:19:25.700 --> 00:19:28.960 of freedom to our everyday lives? Here are three 00:19:28.960 --> 00:19:32.279 key takeaways. Recognize what enslaves you. Are 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:34.740 there things in your life that have more control 00:19:34.740 --> 00:19:37.700 over you than you realize? It can be unhealthy 00:19:37.700 --> 00:19:41.359 habit, a toxic relationship, or an idol you've 00:19:41.359 --> 00:19:43.400 placed above God. Acknowledging these things 00:19:43.400 --> 00:19:46.900 is the first step towards true freedom. Number 00:19:46.900 --> 00:19:49.720 two, trust God's design. The world tells us that 00:19:49.720 --> 00:19:52.799 we are most free when we follow our own desires, 00:19:53.460 --> 00:19:56.480 but God's word tells us that we are most free 00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:59.559 when we follow him. Take time to study scripture 00:19:59.559 --> 00:20:02.880 and see God's wisdom in your decisions. Number 00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:06.019 three, find your identity in Christ. Instead 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:08.680 of looking to the world for validation and purpose, 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:12.400 root yourself in who God says you are. When you 00:20:12.400 --> 00:20:14.819 truly understand that you are a beloved child 00:20:14.819 --> 00:20:17.440 of God, you'll experience a deeper sense of peace 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:20.640 and freedom. So, is life without God really free? 00:20:20.960 --> 00:20:23.920 Or is it just an illusion, an enticing mirage 00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:28.220 that ultimately leads to emptiness? The epithel 00:20:28.220 --> 00:20:31.190 answer is clear. Sir, freedom is not about living 00:20:31.190 --> 00:20:34.049 without rules, but within God's design. It's 00:20:34.049 --> 00:20:36.569 about being free from sin, not free from God. 00:20:37.210 --> 00:20:39.930 The real question we should be asking ourselves 00:20:39.930 --> 00:20:43.609 isn't, is life without God really free? But is 00:20:43.609 --> 00:20:46.789 the thing I'm setting up in place of God worth 00:20:46.789 --> 00:20:48.950 separation from Him? If you've grown up in the 00:20:48.950 --> 00:20:50.910 church, you've probably heard the phrase, no 00:20:50.910 --> 00:20:53.789 man can serve two masters. But if you haven't 00:20:53.789 --> 00:20:56.309 grown up in the church, this phrase simply means 00:20:56.309 --> 00:20:59.230 that you can't. be bound to sin and follow God. 00:20:59.410 --> 00:21:01.190 Well, whatever you have going on in your life 00:21:01.190 --> 00:21:03.769 that's stopping you from following Jesus, I would 00:21:03.769 --> 00:21:06.130 encourage you to let that thing go. People go 00:21:06.130 --> 00:21:09.549 on and on about how liberating it is to do some 00:21:09.549 --> 00:21:12.569 death -defying stunt because of the adrenaline 00:21:12.569 --> 00:21:15.269 it gives you. I get that saying hi when someone 00:21:15.269 --> 00:21:18.769 comes up to me and tells me what they've been 00:21:18.769 --> 00:21:21.710 going through and then they go on to say to me 00:21:21.710 --> 00:21:25.410 that my podcast helped them gain a new perspective 00:21:25.410 --> 00:21:28.160 on what they're dealing with. There is nothing 00:21:28.160 --> 00:21:31.759 more lehibrating than following Jesus. Nothing 00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:35.119 is more lehibrating than when someone asks you 00:21:35.119 --> 00:21:37.819 something biblical and you can answer them with 00:21:37.819 --> 00:21:41.279 full confidence. There is nothing more lehibrating 00:21:41.279 --> 00:21:43.420 than having the opportunity to share the gospel 00:21:43.420 --> 00:21:45.779 with someone. So we have established that no 00:21:45.779 --> 00:21:48.779 man can serve two masters. And that simply means 00:21:48.779 --> 00:21:50.880 you can't serve God and sin at the same time. 00:21:51.759 --> 00:21:54.059 So what does that mean for someone trying to 00:21:54.059 --> 00:21:58.079 serve only God going forward? Well, fasting is 00:21:58.079 --> 00:22:01.079 the simplest way I have found to do this. You're 00:22:01.079 --> 00:22:03.200 not going to quit serving two masters, cult turkey. 00:22:03.819 --> 00:22:06.400 It is going to take some time. Quitting serving 00:22:06.400 --> 00:22:09.859 two masters is like breaking a habit. Psychologists 00:22:09.859 --> 00:22:12.859 say that breaking a habit takes approximately 00:22:12.859 --> 00:22:17.460 18 to 256 days. Start small. Maybe a few days 00:22:17.460 --> 00:22:20.720 without this other thing won't seem so bad. But 00:22:20.720 --> 00:22:24.039 as time builds, it may become increasingly more 00:22:24.039 --> 00:22:27.839 difficult or easier. The point is, if you value 00:22:27.839 --> 00:22:30.900 this thing less than following God, it will be 00:22:30.900 --> 00:22:33.640 a lot easier to forget about rather than keep 00:22:33.640 --> 00:22:36.339 it going. As we wrap up today's episode, I encourage 00:22:36.339 --> 00:22:39.099 you to step up and assess your own life. Are 00:22:39.099 --> 00:22:41.940 you overwhelmed by choices? What strategies can 00:22:41.940 --> 00:22:44.880 you implement today to simplify your decision 00:22:44.880 --> 00:22:48.119 -making process? Remember, it's not about having 00:22:48.119 --> 00:22:51.019 every option available. It's about making choices 00:22:51.019 --> 00:22:53.200 that align with your values and bring you joy. 00:22:53.609 --> 00:22:57.369 Are we truly free if societal pressures dictate 00:22:57.369 --> 00:23:00.170 our choices or is true freedom found in the Kurds 00:23:00.170 --> 00:23:02.710 to live authentically? How can we break free 00:23:02.710 --> 00:23:05.930 from the shackles of consumerism and redefine 00:23:05.930 --> 00:23:08.869 our understanding of what it means to live a 00:23:08.869 --> 00:23:11.230 liberated life? Thank you for joining me today 00:23:11.230 --> 00:23:13.650 on the Unfiltered Faith Podcast. If you enjoyed 00:23:13.650 --> 00:23:16.809 today's discussion, don't forget to follow, give 00:23:16.809 --> 00:23:18.869 it a review, and share it with someone who needs 00:23:18.869 --> 00:23:21.559 to hear it. I'd love to connect with you. follow 00:23:21.559 --> 00:23:24.140 me on Instagram at the Unfiltered Faith Podcast. 00:23:24.839 --> 00:23:27.460 Until next time, keep seeking those fresh perspectives 00:23:27.460 --> 00:23:29.960 and keep having those unfiltered conversations 00:23:29.960 --> 00:23:32.319 with someone to better understand the world around 00:23:32.319 --> 00:23:32.640 us.