Freedom: The Truth Will Set You Free

by: Dr. Laurence C. Mascay

​In the film “Braveheart,” William Wallace, a late-13th century Scottish warrior, portrayed by Mel Gibson, spoke courageously before the distraught Scottish Army. He said, “I am William Wallace, and I see a whole army of my countrymen, here, in defiance of Tyranny. You’ve come to fight as free men, and free men you are. What will you do without freedom? Will you fight?… Fight and you may die. Run, and you’ll live...at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days, from this day to that, for one chance – just one chance – to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives but they’ll never take our freedom!”
 
Freedom is such a precious word! It is a noteworthy aspiration that many people in subjugation desired and fought for in order to attain and experience it. It was the compelling reason our heroes - Andres Bonifacio, Sultan Kudarat, Diego Silang, just to mention a few, shed their blood. While they, including the unsung ones, lost their lives, it was worthwhile because it paved the way for the Philippines to gain the independence we now enjoy in this modern times.
 
Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”. This passage of the Scripture is being quoted by some politicians and members of the judicial body as pertains to the surfacing of a fact or of what really lies behind a case or circumstance. However, in this verse, Jesus is offering Himself for people to attain and experience genuine and lasting freedom. He is the Truth He’s pertaining to. The Truth who would set people free from the power of satan, sin, and self. He is the truth who would set free those who are living in the bondage of shame, fear, and guilt. Jesus knew that though people may be living in freedom outwardly they are not inwardly.
 
Many people, regardless of age, life status, and gender, live in such a way of being physically free but deep within - incarcerated. Consequently, let us allow the Truth - Jesus Christ, to enter our lives and take control of it. Surrender to Him our fears and failures. Entrust to Him our dreams and future. And live a life that pleases and glories Him. Freedom is not only living a life free from tyranny or conquistadors but a life that is free from the power and bondage of satan, sin, self, and shame. Dwight L. Moody, an American publisher, said “If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ you are free.” Rightfully, you will know the Truth and He will set you Free. That, ladies and gentlemen, is freedom.