Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil.”
NL Daily Devotion for Thursday, July 21, 2022
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
The concept of “freedom” has become insanely contentious in the U.S. There is a increasingly vocal group of people who seem to define “freedom” as the right to do absolutely as they please without regard to anyone else’s needs, and who seem to delight insisting that any attempt whatsoever to hold them responsible for even common decency is an act of oppression on the part of the government. It would be laughable if it wasn’t wreaking so much havoc.
As a beloved child of God, filled with the Holy Spirit and redeemed by the total self-emptying love of Jesus Christ, I am free. Free from Sin (with a capital S) and death. Free to reject the human institutions that would cause me to turn from God’s call to work for justice for all people. Free to live and love and flourish in God’s incredible creation. But that freedom is not to be used to justify acting out in ways that infringe upon the rights and freedoms of others. I may consider myself not subject to earthly authorities (ultimately speaking), but that doesn’t mean I run red lights with impunity.
Freedom in God actually carries a ton of responsibilities, as I’ve already alluded to, above. Freedom means I am obligated to work tirelessly so that everyone enjoys the same freedom—even people I don’t agree with. Especially them. Freedom means I may have to set aside what I want so that everyone can have what they need. It is the polar opposite of the kind of selfishness implied in “freedom” as it is bandied about in political arguments. Yet that freedom is far more freeing than any we could make up for ourselves. There is such joy in a life that takes meaning in being of love and service to others. That’s the kind of freedom I want
How do I define “freedom”? How is freedom in God different than worldly freedom?