Freedom with Responsibility

 

If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

 

       Following the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the colonies of the new world, later becoming the United States of America, have enjoyed more than two centuries of free nationhood. Those who with pen thrusts signed the document did as much for freedom as did those who bore arms. The Scripture words on the Liberty Bell need to be emphasized today: "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof" (Lev. 25:10 KJV).

       Freedom can be lost when the citizens become careless, unthinking, and selfish. We give away what our forefathers won when we think only of freedom from something, and not of freedom for something, freedom for participating in democracy.

       Freedom is endangered when people fail to exercise the responsibility that always goes with it. One who enjoys freedom must never forget that others have freedom too. Dr. John H. Knowles, former president of the Rockefeller Foundation, has well said, "The cost of sloth, gluttony, alcoholic overuse, reckless driving, sexual intemperance ... is now regarded by many as a national, not an individual responsibility. These abuses are justified on the ground of individual freedom, but what happens then is that one man's freedom in health abuse is another's shackle in taxes and insurance premiums."

       Freedom is a sacred trust. It has its roots in man's freedom before God, his Creator and Redeemer. Christ has freed us from sin, setting us free to serve Him. He declares, "If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32).