🗽When Freedom Isn’t Freedom - A Devotional by LeBron Keener

When Freedom Isn't Freedom - A Devotional By LeBron Keener 

We are incredibly blessed to live in a country where we can choose how to live, what to believe, and who to become. We’re free to read the books we want, pursue careers that inspire us, and worship without fear of arrest or persecution.

But freedom isn’t always what it seems.

Because with that freedom comes the liberty to make destructive choices. We can legally consume alcohol, smoke cigarettes, and - in some states - use marijuana. We’re free to live out sexual immorality, reject God, and casually take His name in vain. But is that real freedom?

If you think living in sin is freedom, try walking away from it.

The truth is, many of the things we’re “free” to do end up enslaving us. What starts as a choice becomes a habit. What feels like liberty becomes bondage. And before we know it, we can’t stop - even when we want to.

Sin always promises freedom. But it never delivers. It shackles our hearts, clouds our minds, and numbs our souls. And there’s only One who holds the key to those chains.

“[34] Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. [35] And the servant abideth not in the house forever: but the Son abideth ever. [36] If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

(John 8:34-36)

The world offers us a version of freedom that sounds like this: “Do what you want. Live your truth. No rules, no guilt.” It feels liberating at first - light, exciting, even empowering.

But spiritual eyes see the truth.

Sin may feel like freedom, but it’s a trap dressed in disguise. We don’t realize we’re slaves to it until we try to leave - and find we can’t. That’s when the mask comes off. That’s when we see the chains.

True freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want. It’s about being free to walk away from what destroys us. And that kind of freedom doesn’t come from within - it comes from Christ.

Jesus doesn’t just forgive our sins - He frees us from their control. When we surrender our version of freedom and come under His lordship, we step into peace this world can’t fake. A life not ruled by shame or compulsion, but by love, purpose, and power.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the lies I’ve believed about freedom. Show me where sin has wrapped chains around my heart. I don’t want to live in rebellion or addiction. I want to be truly free - free to love You, follow You, and reflect Your glory. Break every chain, Lord. Lead me into Your truth. Amen.

Challenge:

Ask yourself today: Is there anything I keep running back to, even though I know it’s hurting me? Invite God into that space. Don’t just ask for forgiveness - ask for freedom. And trust Him to lead you out of the chains of a sinful life and guide you into His perfect light.