Independence Day. Freedom. Self-reliance. Autonomy.
"Give me liberty or give me death!" As Americans we value our freedom and the USA was indeed founded on the idea of self-determination. No one is gonna' boss us around. No king, dictator or potentate. We are a government for the people and by the people. (fade in patriotic music and images of Old Glory waving in the breeze)
Freedom is an oxymoron of sorts. God has given each person the freedom to make his or her own decisions. Yet it is that very freedom of choice that can lead to bondage.
I have the freedom to smoke, but that freedom can lead innumerable health issues. I have the freedom to spend untold hours at work, yet that freedom can create an distant, disconnected relationship with a spouse and children. I have the freedom to make unkind comments to others about a coworker, however, that freedom can create a critical spirit and erode morale.
Many people fault Christianity by say it is too confining and just a list of "don'ts". They view the stories, teachings and principles in the Bible as a set of mandates and have-to's. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Bible is replete with examples of people who chose to exercise their personal freedom. David chose to sleep with Bathsheba, but he also chose to repent and return to God. Job chose to remain faithful to God, and he was blessed for his faithfulness. Jonah chose to run from God and spent three days in the belly of a great fish. Jesus chose to die a horrible death on the cross, therefore, each of us can spend an eternity in Heaven if we choose to accept Him as Lord and Savior.
Christians and nonChristians alike have the freedom to make choices. The difference is that those who have accepted Christ have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to help guide those decisions. If we base our choices on the teachings and principles of the Bible, we can live a life that is pleasing to God. Our choices can have either negative or positive consequences. We can exercise our freedom in a manner that is self-serving or Christ-serving. We are free to choose to spend an eternity in Heaven or eternal separation from God.
God does not deny us the right to chose. By the same token, He holds us accountable for our choices. "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matt. 25:21), or "I never knew you." (Matt. 7:23) What will you choose?
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