Freedom Within: The Spiritual Declaration of Independence
"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32
This year, our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For
two and a half centuries, those words have inspired generations with a vision of liberty, self-determination,
and human dignity.
As spiritual seekers we recognize that there are two kinds of freedom. There is external freedom—the
freedom to speak, worship, vote, and pursue our dreams. And there is spiritual freedom—the freedom of the
soul.
One can possess political freedom and still be imprisoned by fear.
One can live in a free country and still be bound by resentment.
One can have countless choices and still be trapped by limiting beliefs.
Jesus spoke often of freedom, but not the kind won through governments or armies. He taught freedom from
within. He taught liberation from the false beliefs that keep us separated from the love of God, knowing our
divine nature and seeing the divine nature of fellow travelers on this earth adventure.
As we celebrate our nation's journey toward freedom, let us also celebrate our own spiritual declaration of
independence. Just as a nation we struggle to remember and practice the tenets within our Constitution, so
our spiritual journey is one of forgetting then remembering that we are the beloved of God.
The Courage to Declare Freedom
The signers of the Declaration took an extraordinary risk. They were declaring that they would no longer be
governed by forces that denied their inherent rights.
Spiritually, we are invited to make a similar declaration. At some point on the spiritual path, we awaken and
realize:
"I do not have to be governed by fear."
"I do not have to be ruled by old wounds."
"I do not have to surrender my peace to circumstances."
This is spiritual independence.
Our founders declared that freedom was not granted by a king but was inherent. Likewise, our spiritual
freedom is not something we earn. It is part of our divine inheritance. We are created in the image and
likeness of God. Therefore, freedom is already planted within us. The spiritual journey is not about becoming
free. It is about awakening to the freedom that has always been ours.
Freedom Through Truth
Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Notice he did not say truth will make
you comfortable. Truth often challenges our assumptions. Truth invites us to release old identities. Truth asks
us to let go of stories that no longer serve us. Truth reveals that we are loved beyond measure. When we truly
embrace that truth, something changes. We stop living as victims of circumstance. We begin living as
expressions of Divine Possibility.
And this is our spiritual liberation.
Rev. Barbara Williams
www.unitychq.org