People today have an obsession for freedom and feeling free. They idolize the feeling of having no restraints, being able to do anything, and feel like life is beyond limits. As such, people choose things, certain things that might contribute to the feeling of being limitless, having no restraints, and completely beyond restriction. Can you think of some things people do today in order to be free? Some people choose travel—they like to explore new places and see new things, and feel untied to the rhythm of life when they travel and explore new things. For others it is some sort of adventure—maybe they try sky diving, or parasailing, or hang gliding, or bungee jumping. These extreme activities make them feel unattached to the things of this world—a sense of freedom. Some find it in meditation and mindfulness—some sort of spiritual practice that enlightens the mind and brings a sense of freedom. Other find freedom in charity or volunteer work—if you focus on giving back it brings a sense of freedom and peace inside—I am not held back and unencumbered by the things of this life. Freedom. We like to be free. We like to make our own choices and experience a level of real or perceived independence.

But there is a danger in the pursuit of so called freedom. This desire for freedom might create a spiritual desire for freedom—a desire for freedom from God. Just like we might like to feel free physically, as if we have no restraints or things holding us down, if we are not careful, we can begin to feel the same way about God. Just like some of our physical attempts at freedom, it is always a risky move to attempt freedom from God . . .

Big Idea: even freedom has a cost