Does Freedom Mean I No Longer Struggle?

In my research, I have found that when a person finishes a recovery program or “freedom retreat” they relapse into old behaviors and habits. I graduated from three top-notch recovery programs and still struggle. Some families of the recent graduates might complain that the person “hasn’t changed at all” or assert, “he or she is worse!” What is also often said and thought is derogatory toward the organization (i.e. “REBOOT didn’t fix my husband’s anger issue!” or “Operation Restored Warrior made him worse!”). These criticisms operate on the false belief that freedom in Christ means the absence of behaviors. But biblical freedom has nothing to do with habitual sin; it’s about the presence of the holy spirit in the struggling person’s life.

 ...where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. - 2 Cor 3:17 ESV 

 After a freedom retreat or recovery weekend type event, the family members on the receiving end would do good to reemphasize biblical freedom with their loved one. People need reminders of what biblical freedom is. Furthermore, we must redefine what is “worse” and “better.” These terms are used loosely in regard to graduates or recovery programs. Similar to the false definition of freedom, most tend to think that “worse” means more destructive behaviors and “better” means they have less destructive behavior. Regardless of the amount of destructive behaviors, anger, rage, criticism, the spirit is still present and at work in the individual's life. He has not left the person alone. Those struggles and bouts with anger and rage can be seen as gifts from God. Imagine a car running low on oil. The glaring red oil light will catch the attention of the driver. The light is annoying, but it is really a gift to the owner of the vehicle. In the same way, my anger and rage are indicators that I must pull over and “check under the hood.” In that sense, anger is a great gift that reminds me to pause and assess my heart. The realization of sin in my life and the repentance to follow is biblical freedom demonstrating the power of the spirit living in the person.