Following Jesus: The Path to Lasting Freedom
A posture from our Shared Way of Life, is a particular way of dealing with or considering something; an approach or attitude. May’s posture is following Jesus.
For many of us, the idea of freedom has been hard to grasp. We have spent years stuck in addiction, unhealthy relationships, or cycles of self-destruction. Even after we begin to heal, shame tries to pull us back, whispering that we are too far gone. But Jesus invites us into something different.
He does not just offer a second chance. He offers a whole new way of life.
Paul writes in Ephesians 3:17:
“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”
True freedom is not about willpower. It comes from being deeply rooted in the love of Jesus. His love is what breaks the chains of shame and addiction. His love is what makes lasting transformation possible.
Freedom Beyond Shame, Addiction, and Broken Cycles
Many of us have spent years trying to outrun our past. We have made promises to do better, only to fall back into the same patterns. But Jesus does not just ask us to try harder. He offers real freedom.
In John 8:36, Jesus says:
“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
The freedom Jesus offers is not just about stopping bad habits. It is about healing the pain underneath. Addiction is often a way to cope with deep wounds, but Jesus wants to heal those wounds so we no longer need the things that once numbed us.
We do not have to be defined by where we have been. Jesus calls us into something new.
Letting Go of the Old and Embracing Grace
One of the biggest struggles in recovery is learning to let go. Even when we want to change, the old life can feel familiar. The people, places, and habits we once turned to are hard to release. But following Jesus means trusting that what He has for us is better than anything we are leaving behind.
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Jesus does not just clean up the mess. He makes us new. He does not hold our past against us. He welcomes us with grace and walks with us into a future filled with hope.
The Life of Jesus: A Model for Recovery
Jesus lived a life of honesty, surrender, and restoration. He never hid from pain or avoided hard truths. He did not try to control everything or force people to change. Instead, He surrendered to God’s will and trusted the Father to lead Him.
Honesty: Jesus spoke truth, even when it was hard. He invites us to do the same—being honest with ourselves, with God, and with others about our struggles.
Surrender: In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Luke 22:42). Surrender does not mean giving up. It means trusting God’s way instead of our own.
Restoration: Jesus did not just forgive sins. He restored people to wholeness. He healed the sick, welcomed the outcasts, and gave hope to the broken. He still does that today.
Following Jesus means walking this same path. We embrace honesty, trust in God’s plan, and allow His love to restore us.
Taking the Next Step
If you are wondering how to follow Jesus in your own recovery, here are a few places to start:
Be Honest – Bring your struggles to Jesus. He is not afraid of them, and He will never turn you away.
Let Go of Shame – You are not your mistakes. Jesus calls you loved, chosen, and new.
Trust the Process – Healing takes time. Keep showing up, and trust that God is at work in you.
Stay in Community – Jesus never meant for us to walk alone. Surround yourself with people who will remind you of God’s love.
Keep Saying Yes – Following Jesus is not about having it all figured out. It is about taking one step at a time in faith.
An Invitation to Freedom
Jesus is not asking you to clean yourself up before coming to Him. He is simply inviting you to follow.
Where do you need freedom today? What old patterns is Jesus inviting you to let go of?
Whatever step you take next, know this: Jesus is walking with you, and His love is strong enough to hold you through every part of the journey.
