Experiencing Freedom

Freedom. For many pupils of legendary pianist Josef Hofmann, this meant abandoning rules and following their own emotions. It involved doing only what they wanted. But Hofmann, who was born on this day in 1876, knew differently.

As a child in his native Poland, Hofmann demonstrated extraordinary talent. Later settling in the United States, he became the director of the Curtis Institute of Music. There he became one of the most influential musicians of the 20^th century.

As a teachedr, Hofmann observed that many musicians never fulfilled their potential, because they became carried away with misguided ideas about “freedom.” He once said, “You cannot imagine how much your ‘freedom’ distorts the music you play…Your ‘freedom’ is license, not liberty. Real freedom comes from discipline.” Hofmann recognized that discipline provided grounding to the music and allowed true freedom to emerge.

Many people feel that “freedom” means living without restraint, rejecting God and defying His Word. Assuming they can ignore His laws, they believe their concept of “freedom” will bring them a life of fulfillment.

But the Bible reminds us that this approach to life is really a kind of slavery. We become slaves to our passions and the feelings of the moment. We lose perspective when our lives don’t line up with God’s eternal laws. The Bible tells us that we become slaves to whatever we allow to dominate our lives. True freedom comes from surrendering our lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Every day, you face choices. If you want to experience God’s fullest blessings, His peace and fulfillment, surrender your life to Him. Allow Him to give you true freedom.