What is Freedom?
Freedom… words associated with the spirit of freedom provide insight to its significance…
Independence, autonomy, liberation, release, space,
Flexibility, spontaneity, openness, and free will
Those words that stand in direct opposition to freedom might be even more informative…
Captivity, bondage, restriction,
Confinement, slavery
The emotions experienced when perusing each of those lists separately clearly delineates the heart’s yearning for freedom and our rejection of anything not considered freedom. An innate desire to be free resonates deep within each of us. Such a rich and powerful meaning that has been the genesis of nations, the catalyst to breaking the cycle of abuse, and the expression of those who cease the use of harmful substances or habits. Even more pronounced, may be our built-in longing to be freely true to who we were created to be without the restraints of social, cultural, and familial dictates. The word is conveyed regularly in our country and loosely enough at times that we may have conveniently forgotten a few concepts about this powerful word.
Freedom does not come freely! Freedom comes at a cost whether the price is life, sweat, or external/internal battles. Breaking free from addictions, vices, or unhealthy patterns, although reaps an outcome much desired, costs the individual something. A death of sorts to what was and death never comes easily. The old life tenaciously clings to what was. However, freedom is always worth the daily fight!
Freedom doesn’t mean we are free to do all things, to live however each of us decide. This would create a lawless nation governed by the whim and notion of each individual, including those that would murder, lie, cheat, and steal all in the name of freedom. My freedom should not infringe upon another’s freedom. The result of being free is we are allotted the privilege to value the lives of those around us and respect their freedom. This leads perfectly into the third principle so easily forgotten.
Freedom comes with great responsibility, especially in the way we choose to pass it on. There is a parable that Christ told in the Gospel of Matthew (18:21-35); it’s entitled The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. In a nutshell, a man owed his king more than he could ever repay in a lifetime, so he pled for his freedom from this debt which the king graciously gave. As you read the parable, you become astounded that the same man who had left a free man turned around and chose not to forgive the lesser debts of those who owed him. How can this be? Often people misinterpret freedom as a power move rather than a gift giving tool. When it becomes about power, freedom dies a slow death.
Freedom should always be a catalyst to free others, break down barriers and live abundantly towards others! For freedom is not a destination but a journey. In the freedoms we do experience, may we be grateful and understand the responsibility we’ve been endowed to express to those around us. May our freedom not lull us into a trance where we are blind to the injustices and atrocities that still exist. May we use our own freedom to remain free and set others free!