Lesson Five: The Path to True Freedom: Embracing Responsibility and Understanding Personhood
In this lesson, we delve into the profound distinction between personality and personhood, exploring how understanding and embracing these differences can lead us to true freedom in Christ. Personality is a psychological concept—formed and shaped by external factors such as family, culture, relationships, and life experiences. Over time, our personality can evolve as we encounter different circumstances that shape how we respond to life. However, personality is not fixed; it can be altered, refined, or even corrupted by our surroundings. This fluidity means that our personality, while important, is not the defining core of who we are.
Personhood, on the other hand, is something entirely different. It is not something we acquire over time or lose due to circumstances. Personhood is an ontological reality, meaning it relates to our very being. This concept refers to the intrinsic and God-given essence of what makes us human. From the moment of conception, God bestows upon each of us our personhood—an immutable and enduring aspect of our nature that reflects His image (Genesis 1:27). Unlike personality, which develops over time, personhood is immediate and absolute. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” Recognising this distinction helps us avoid the error of equating human worth with how someone behaves, their personality traits, or their successes and failures. It allows us to extend grace, both to ourselves and others, by understanding that while personalities may be flawed, our personhood remains untarnished.
A common pitfall that many fall into is the tendency to use their personality or past experiences as an excuse for poor behavior. We hear phrases like, “That’s just the way I am,” or “I can’t help it; I’ve always been this way,” as attempts to justify actions that are not aligned with God’s will. While it is true that our past and external influences shape our personalities, using these factors as crutches prevents growth and transformation. Making excuses keeps us bound to old ways of thinking and behaving, and in doing so, we reject the very freedom that Christ has secured for us. John 8:36 states, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” The Bible is clear: true freedom is not the absence of accountability, but the willingness to take responsibility for our actions and pursue righteousness.
The path to this kind of freedom begins with understanding that ignorance and excuses are never the route to liberation. As followers of Christ, we are called to face the truth about ourselves and embrace the opportunity for growth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Romans 12:2 calls us to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds,” a process that requires active participation. Transformation does not happen passively—it demands effort, reflection, and the power of the Holy Spirit. While personality is formed gradually, personhood is bestowed instantly at conception, carrying with it a sacred responsibility. As bearers of God’s image, we are accountable for how we live and how we respond to the call of personal growth and moral integrity. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
When we reject excuses and begin to take ownership of our flaws, we break the chains that bind us to old patterns of behavior. Often, people remain spiritually and emotionally enslaved because they cling to their past or blame circumstances for their current struggles. However, through Christ, we are set free from the power of our past and from the lies that tell us we cannot change. True freedom comes when we realize that while our personality may have been shaped by external influences, our personhood and divine identity have not been altered. This realization enables us to live out the fullness of who we are meant to be, free from the constraints of blame and victimhood.
At the heart of this lesson is the understanding that personhood is not just a concept to be intellectually acknowledged—it is a reality that calls for active responsibility. God has given each of us the gift of personhood, a gift that comes with both dignity and purpose. As Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This truth calls us to live from a place of accountability, knowing that we are responsible for how we steward the life God has given us. We must reject the temptation to use personality as an excuse for staying stagnant and instead embrace the transformative power that comes through Christ.
Freedom, according to the world’s standards, is often defined as the ability to do whatever we want without consequences. However, biblical freedom is something far greater. It is not about escaping accountability; it is about being free to live rightly, to love fully, and to be the people God has called us to be. Galatians 5:1 speaks directly to this: “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.” This scripture calls us to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given us by rejecting the lies and excuses that try to pull us back into bondage.
One of the greatest tools we have on the journey to true freedom is accountability. Accountability is often misunderstood as something negative, associated with judgment or criticism. However, biblical accountability is a gift that helps sharpen us, much like Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” When we surround ourselves with godly community—mentors, friends, and leaders—we are better equipped to stay on the path of growth. Accountability is not about being perfect but about being honest with ourselves and with others about our need for transformation.
In conclusion, today’s lesson challenges each of us to stop making excuses and start taking responsibility for our lives. True freedom begins when we embrace the truth of our God-given personhood and take ownership of our journey toward growth. Personality may change, and we may be shaped by our circumstances, but our personhood remains a constant gift from God, one that calls us to live with integrity, purpose, and accountability. We are free in Christ, and this freedom gives us the strength to overcome the excuses that have held us back.
Let today be the day you embrace the freedom Christ offers by taking responsibility for your actions and your growth. Honor the gift of your personhood by living out your purpose with integrity, always striving to become the person God has called you to be. Freedom, after all, is not about doing what you want but about becoming who God created you to be.
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways has your personality been shaped by your past experiences? How can you align your personality more closely with God’s purpose for your life?
- Are there areas in your life where you’ve been making excuses for bad behavior or lack of growth? What steps can you take today to take responsibility for those areas?
- How does understanding the difference between personality and personhood help you live more fully in the freedom that Christ offers?
Prayer:
2 comments - Lesson Five: The Path to True Freedom: Embracing Responsibility and Understanding Personhood
Blessings!