Christian Living

GENUINE FREEDOM AND MISCONCEIVED

by Morris Inch
04/13/16
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GENUINE FREEDOM AND MISCONCEIVED

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Take the instance of a young man who was imprisoned. After he had served his sentence, he was released. Did this mean that he could return to his former way of life? Not unless he was prepared to risk being returned to prison. He was freed only on condition that he would act in a responsible manner.

Or consider a classic example from Scripture. God placed humans in the Garden of Eden. "In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (Gen. 2:9). "You can eat from any tree in the garden," God informed Adam, "but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."

"The knowledge of good and evil" appears to be comprehensive, so that to eat from it implies to assert one’s autonomy. Free from God’s jurisdiction, then free to fend for oneself. But when Eve saw that the fruit was pleasing to behold, and also desirable for obtaining wisdom, she ate of it and gave some to her husband.

As a result, they felt alienated from God. Their labor would become grievous. There would be enmity between the couple. And they would be driven from their enviable surroundings. It was not the kind of freedom they had envisaged.

Back to the present. It is said that American politics is generated by two ideals: freedom and equity. So that when we strive for one, we may neglect the other. Even so, freedom is more appealing to me. It served as a prime incentive while serving in the military during World War II. When Tom Brokaw referred to this as the greatest generation, I was unconvinced. Later on, I learned that he attributed this to the fact that they did what they were obligated to do. This resonated with my thinking, since I recall it not as a highly idealistic but realistic generation.

More recently, the entitlement strategy has focused more on equity. While I think there is some validity to this, it can be pressed to the point where persons fail to assume responsibility. In this regard, while taxation is valid, excessive taxation amounts to corporate theft. Or so it seems to me.

The current terrorist movement is obviously a threat to our individual and corporate freedom. Since it entails submission to escape chaos. Which recalls a line of Coptic Christians being marched off to be beheaded. This assuredly qualifies as a crime against humanity.

Moreover, freedom is under attack not only from without but within. When persons are forced to comply with regulations that conflict with their convictions. Which would seem to qualify as a form of coercive idolatry. Whether recognized as such nor not.

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples," Jesus affirmed. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32).

"We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves to anyone," they protested. "How can you say that we shall be set free?"

"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "everyone who sins is a slave to sin." This allows for no exception, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). Now sin can be by way of commission and omission. While the latter if usually less obvious, and often more critical.

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed," Jesus declared. Not as a token but actual freedom. Free to glorify God, and serve one another. And in so doing to assume our responsibility as stewards of creation.

The person is not free if suffering from some form of addiction. This is said to consist of two forms. First, there is substance addiction. In this regard, I recall my father taking his package of cigarettes and placing them on the shelf behind him in his general store. There he would see them each time he turned around. "No weed is stronger than I am," he protested. At that, he terminated his addiction to tobacco.

Then there is habitual addiction. Such as those who feel compelled to gamble. A lottery official recently observed that persons are driven in this regard by desperation and credulity. Desperation as a solution for their poverty, and credulity concerning their unlikely chances of winning.

Such are some of the random thoughts that come to mind with regard to freedom misconceived. So that we may give preference to some other ideal, for which we are willing to sacrifice our freedom. Or we may pursue freedom, only to fall short. While genuine freedom awaits us in Christ, thus in God’s world and by his amazing grace.