The bumper sticker read, “Freedom Isn’t Free.” I think it refers to our Flanders Fields and Arlingtons. However, there is yet another meaning to that bumper sticker – the tyranny of freedom. Freedom isn’t free. It comes with responsibility. Freedom means if we are adults with the right and power to choose we cannot blame our parents for what we are. Real freedom means stepping up to the plate and saying, “I did it.” The tyranny of freedom is we were forced by no one other than our own passions and will. If we did it, we do not hide in the bushes and blame another. Adam, our noble ancestor, hid in the bushes and attempted to blame both God and Eve. What a man! If there is shame to be had we will acknowledge our failures or overt acts of transgression. This is freedom.
It is the fourth of July and for these 24 hours we hear the words “freedom” and “liberty” over and over. Galatians 5 is Paul’s great appeal for us to take the freedom Christ offers and to use it for righteousness. To do otherwise is to give it away and to become slaves to ourselves and our self-deceptions.
Righteous living, righteous choices expand our freedom. Each victory by our choices and behaviors prepares us for the ultimate freedom of roaming the universe as God’s child with never a fear that we will pollute those we shall meet. Ultimate freedom awaits those who choose wisely.
Written by Roger Bothwell on July 4, 2012
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org