Freedom & Responsibility
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. –Galatians 5:13-15
Freedom is one of the greatest values of any people in any place. Genesis 1 and 2 suggest that God created us to be free. Freewill is a gift from God the Creator to us the created. Freedom is a cherished value that enables people to dream, believe, work, create, innovate, prosper, and make progress as individuals, families, and as a nation. Freedom is a necessity if you are going to be your best self in this life.
Unfortunately, freedom is not found everywhere; and sometimes, freedom is not free. There are many places on the globe where people are not free—politically, economically, socially, and religiously. In many places, free speech is a rarity, if it exists at all. But for all who enjoy freedom and civil liberties, you must use your freedom in a responsible way, and help others along the way. Your freedom is not a license to impoverish, enslave, or deny others their right to dignity and opportunity.
God has created all people to be free—regardless of your race, gender, or ethnicity. We are encouraged to love others as ourselves, even if we don’t know them—they are still our neighbors (Galatians 3:14). If we turn on each other instead of helping one another, we will destroy ourselves (Galatians 3:15). So if you live in a nation where freedom and liberty abound, use your voice, vantagepoint, energies, and resources to help others who live in bondage. Everyone should be responsible with their freedom, and avoid the temptation of the “me-myself-and I” mentality. Your freedom becomes bigger, and your world becomes better, when the rest of the world is free.
If you live in a free society, be responsible with your freedom; and do nothing to limit or deny another person’s. If you live in an oppressive society, fight for your freedom, and start fighting now. It is better to die free than to live as a slave. 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. (Galatians 5:1). Fight for freedom. Enjoy your freedom, and be responsible with it.
God has secured your freedom in Christ. Live freely and responsibly; for freedom and responsibility will birth dignity and opportunity.
Wisdom for this Week
Be a freedom-lover and when necessary, a freedom-fighter.
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