You Can Be Free

We all have defining moments. Sometimes it’s a single event; other times it’s a turning point that sets us on a new path.

For me, one of those moments came my freshman year of college at Oral Roberts University. I was sitting in chapel when the speaker said a simple phrase that changed everything:

“You can be free.”

That was the day my search for peace with food turned into a pursuit of freedom.

Now, four decades later, I’ve learned a lot about what freedom truly means.

One of the most profound truths is this: as a follower of Christ and child of God, freedom isn’t something I have to earn, achieve, or one day arrive at.

It’s already part of my identity—the moment I received God’s gift of grace, I was set free. That was my first step to true spiritual freedom.

FREEDOM 101 {Justification}

This first level of true freedom is what I call FREEDOM 101—but the theologically accurate term is JUSTIFICATION—being made right with God and set free from sin. I use “Freedom 101” as a memory aid to help keep it clear in my head, and I share it in case it helps you too.

Think of Freedom 101 similar to an acorn. Inside, it already contains all the DNA needed to become a mighty oak.

Freedom 101 {Justification} happens instantly. The moment you receive God’s grace and put your trust in Christ, God plants an imperishable seed—His very life, His spiritual DNA—inside of you. You receive a new nature that already includes everything you need to live a godly life. (2 Peter 1:3)

At this stage, Romans 6:18 is true of you:

“You HAVE BEEN set free from sin and HAVE BECOME slaves to righteousness.” (See also: 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:3.)

FREEDOM 201 {Sanctification}

But living out that freedom in a body still prone to weakness, temptation, and fleshly impulses? That’s different. Scripture calls it SANCTIFICATION. I sometimes call it Freedom 201—again, as a memory aid to keep it straight in my head.

Think of Freedom 201 {Sanctification} similar to the oak tree. What began as a small acorn matures, grows strong, and eventually bears abundant fruit.

Freedom 201 happens gradually, over time and in degrees, as you work out in your actions and thoughts what God has already planted inside of you as described in Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV):

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (See also: Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18.)

2 Corinthians 3:18 (AMP) describes it this way:

“And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.”

Think of Freedom 101 as the prerequisite to Freedom 201: one happens instantly, the other unfolds gradually as the Spirit transforms you.

As we cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work through surrender and obedience, we are continually being transformed—growing in Christlikeness and learning to walk in greater freedom.

If you’re searching for freedom—whether with food or anything else—this truth is for you: freedom is not just possible, it’s your identity as a child of God.

“It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life.” —Galatians 5:13 (MSG)

If you’re ready to walk in that freedom, don’t attempt to go alone—invite someone you trust, who will help you walk it out biblically, to journey alongside you.

In the days ahead, I’ll be sharing more about what this journey has looked like for me—principles of peace with food, spiritual growth, and personal growth—because I’ve found they’re all woven together.

My prayer is that as you read, you’ll find hope that freedom is possible for you too.

…And in my next post, I’ll share a foundational lesson I’ve learned: the difference between principles and methods—and why knowing the difference can save you years of frustration and time (with a little help from a farm pickup truck called Ole Green ).