Slaves and Freed People

Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it. What is a man benefited if he gains the whole world, yet loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and that of the Father and the holy angels. I tell you the truth: there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”
(Luke 9:23-27 HCSB ©®)

On days, we cannot tell whether we are free or enslaved, nor if we were to receive our desires, whether it would amount to liberty or bondage.

At some point through my decades I decided to simply believe that anything that brings me closer to knowing and walking in the will of my King is great liberty, even if it draws me into a cell or onto a cross.

As He was saying these things, many believed in Him. So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

“We are descendants of Abraham,” they answered Him, “and we have never been enslaved to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will become free’?”

Jesus responded, “I assure you: Everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. Therefore if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.
(John 8:30-36 HCSB ©®)