Walking in the Freedom of Christ
Your Identity Beyond Circumstance (Caught Between Two Worlds Series Part 4 of 6)
Did you know that about 8% of people who are freed from captivity return to their captors? It’s not because they are still physically bound but because their minds are. This phenomenon, known as Stockholm syndrome, shows us that even when we’re set free, the pull of the familiar can keep us in bondage. Why is this? Because stepping into freedom feels riskier than staying with what’s known—even if what’s known is harmful.
As Christians, we experience a similar tension. Christ set us free from the power of sin, yet we often remain in spiritual captivity. We live as if the door to the "cage" is still locked, but in reality, it’s wide open.
When Freedom Feels Too Risky
Picture a bird that’s been caged its entire life. One day, the door swings open, but instead of soaring into the open sky, the bird stays put. The outside world seems too vast, too uncertain. The cage, though confining, is familiar.
Much like that bird, we often stay trapped in our old patterns, even though Christ has freed us to live fully. The Israelites, after being miraculously delivered from slavery in Egypt, faced a similar dilemma. In Numbers 14:3 (NIV), as they wandered the wilderness, they lamented, “Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? ... Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” Despite being physically free, their hearts and minds still longed for the predictability of captivity.
This happens in the Christian life, too. Even though we’re set free from sin, we can be drawn back into old ways of thinking or acting—whether it’s people-pleasing, performance-driven living, or seeking validation from the world. Romans 7:15 (NIV) expresses this tension when Paul says, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Even after experiencing salvation, we feel the pull of the old self, making it seem as if we’re still caged.
Living in Captivity After Freedom: The Story of Patty Hearst
Take the story of Patty Hearst. After being kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army in 1974, she had a chance to escape but shockingly chose to stay loyal to her captors, even participating in a bank robbery. Though physically free, she remained mentally and emotionally bound.
In the same way, we can be freed from sin’s grip by Christ but still cling to old habits, doubts, or fears. Galatians 5:1 (NIV) reminds us: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Why We Stay in the Cage
So why do we remain in a "cage" when freedom is ours?
Fear of the Unknown: Like the Israelites who feared the wilderness, we fear what lies ahead. Even unhealthy mindsets can feel safer because they’re familiar.
Comfort in Familiar Patterns: Old habits provide predictability, even when harmful. The cage feels "safe" because we know what to expect.
Forgetting Our True Identity: Like the bird that forgets how to fly, we often forget that we are redeemed, loved, and set free by Christ.
The Battle Between the Old and the New
Paul talks about this internal war in Romans 7:22-25, describing the tension between the "old man" (the flesh) and the "new man" (the Spirit). Even after being set free, we wrestle with our sinful nature, which can make freedom feel out of reach. However, the key to victory is not through willpower, but through surrender to the Holy Spirit's work in transforming us.
The Freedom to Choose
In contrast, consider the biblical image of a bondservant. In Exodus 21:5-6, a servant, after being freed, may choose to stay with their master out of love and loyalty. This represents our relationship with Christ. We are set free from sin, but out of love, we willingly choose to serve Him. Romans 6:18 (NIV) tells us: “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”
This is the paradox of Christian freedom: True freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want—it’s about living out our identity in Christ and walking in the righteousness He’s given us.
Practical Ways to Walk in Freedom
Recognize the Cage: Reflect on the "cages" in your life. Are there old patterns of thinking or behaviors that make you feel trapped? Bring them before God, asking for His grace to break free.
Rest in Your Identity: Meditate on verses like 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Allow this truth to shape your understanding of who you are.
Take Small Steps of Faith: Walking in freedom is often gradual. Start by trusting God with one area of your life and build from there. Like a bird learning to fly, each step brings you closer to living fully in Christ.
Surround Yourself with Truth: Engage with a community of believers who will remind you of your identity in Christ and encourage you to keep walking in freedom.
"What familiar 'cages' are holding you back from fully embracing the freedom Christ has already given you? How might God be inviting you to take your first step out of that cage today?"
Caught Between Two Worlds (Story Continuation)
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
She sat by the window, watching the birds outside. One in particular caught her eye—a small, brown sparrow perched inside a wire cage on her neighbor’s porch. The cage door was wide open, but the bird remained inside, hopping from one bar to the next.
She stared, wondering why it didn’t fly out. Maybe it had been caged for so long that the thought of leaving felt too overwhelming, too risky. She understood that feeling.
Her life had been much the same. She had been given freedom in Christ, yet she still lived within the walls of her own doubts, fears, and expectations. The freedom was there, but stepping into it felt terrifying—like trying to fly after years of sitting still.
As she turned away from the window, a thought came to her mind: I don’t have to live this way anymore. The truth of Romans 8:36 echoed in her heart, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
She wasn’t stuck in that cage. Christ had already set her free. All she had to do was spread her wings.
Good News
Because of Jesus, we don’t have to live as captives to fear, doubt, or worldly expectations. He has opened the door to freedom and invited us to step into it, trusting that He will guide us along the way. True freedom isn’t found in striving or perfection—it’s found in surrendering to Christ and living out of our identity in Him.
Resources
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller
This short, powerful book emphasizes finding true freedom in Christ by shifting away from self-focus and performance-based living.
Looking Ahead
This is Part 3 of the 6-part series, Caught Between Two Worlds.
Caught Between Two Worlds: Finding Rest in Your Identity in Christ
Shedding What Doesn’t Last: Embracing Your True Identity in Christ
The Metamorphosis of Your Mind: Surrendering to the Spirit's Work in Shaping Your Identity
Walking in the Freedom of Christ: Your Identity Beyond Circumstance
Anchored in Hope: Strengthening Your Identity in Christ
Living Fully Rooted in Christ: Flourishing in Your New Identity