Christian Living
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LAND OF THE FREE
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"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Gal. 5:1). Such came to mind as we recently celebrated the Declaration of Independence. It is a different context, but a similar concern. Moreover, it was with this cherished legacy that I participated when serving in the military during World War II.
Now the Christian emphasis on freedom extends beyond being free from to being free for. As for the former, the apostle Paul writes in connection with freedom from sin. Which is said to be any lack of conformity to God’s will. As for the latter, free to glorify God, and serve one another. Incidently, it is often more difficult to exercise one’s freedom than to obtain it. In this regard, one of my students aptly observed: "It appears that God had less difficulty getting the chosen people out of Egypt, than Egypt out of the chosen people."
Now there is a threat to freedom both from without the country and from within. There are international adversaries that consider us The Great Satan, and for that reason, incumbent to oppose. Even if for no other reason, our international presence. Two examples readily come to mind. The first was a person who allowed that the strong should ideally impose their will on the weak but in a perceptive manner. He felt that the United States failed in its regard.
The second was an individual who was cautiously friendly until he became familiar with the western media. Whereupon, he concluded that this was blatantly immoral. It remained for him to decide how aggressive a stance to take against it. By failing to take into consideration the moral standards of others, we greatly hinder the peace process.
However, the threat to our freedom seems more immediate from within. Here persons are pressured to conform to standards imposed upon them. As a result, Christians tend to perceive that the culture has become less friendly and in some instances, outright antagonistic.
What are we to make of this? For one thing, there is the separation of powers that should be observed. For instance, it is not proper for the judiciary to enact laws but correctly interpret them. Nor is it correct for the executive branch to assume the task of the legislative branch, even when the latter seems to struggle. The distinctive duties of the three branches of government is best observed in a free society.
Then there are the so-called Divine Mandates: concerning the church, family, government, and labor. These in the history of Christian thought were meant to complement rather than compete with one another. For instance, some issues are best left to the family, rather than being usurped by the government. Moreover, the government is charged with being supportive of the family structure.
In this regard, the church is not the building, nor its corporate entity, but its members. Qualifications aside, persons should be allowed to live according to their convictions. On the other hand, the government is justified in intervening when persons are actually endangered.
While the dynamic of a free society involves numerous considerations, it is currently suggested that there is a tension between the issues of liberty and equality. Freedom rightly observed will allow for inequality. While an excessive posturing for equality will curtail liberty. This brings to mind a Romanian reflecting on life under communism. "Everyone had a little," he allowed, "but no one had much." Another remarked, "There was little unemployment because one third were payed to keep watch of the other two thirds."
In contrast, Jewish tradition coupled industry with generosity. Which led an adhrent of the gospel of wealth movement toi conclude, "If a person dies rich, he or she has failed." As for generosity, Jesus concluded that the widow who gave little had given more than the rich who gave much. From which one would gather that generosity should be measured not by how much one gives, but by how much remains after giving. Such are some of the thoughts that come to mind when reflecting on the land of the free.
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